Ariaria Market now compares to London Standard, Says Wabara, Commends Gov. Otti for Remodeling Initiative, Proposed Sea Port Project

Former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, has commended Governor Alex Otti for the ongoing transformation of Ariaria International Market, Aba, describing the remodeled commercial hub as comparable to markets in London and other developed parts of the world.

Wabara who hails from Ukwa East in Abia State, gave the commendation after visiting Ariaria market where he reportedly went shopping and took time to inspect the new-look of the famous trading centre regarded as the commercial heartbeat of the South East.

In a statement he personally issued last Saturday, the former Senate President expressed excitement over the level of transformation achieved at the market, saying the intervention reflects deliberate efforts to revive Aba’s economic glory.

“Having personally visited the remodeled Ariaria International Market in Aba, I must sincerely commend Governor Alex Otti for the remarkable transformation taking place in one of the most strategic commercial hubs in Nigeria and the West African sub-region,” Wabara stated.

He added that what he saw at Ariaria was beyond ordinary renovation, noting that the market now wears the appearance of modern business districts like those in advanced economies.

“What I saw was not just a facelift of a market, but a deliberate economic renaissance capable of restoring Aba’s pride as the industrial and commercial heartbeat of the South East,” he said.

According to him, the new environment at Ariaria now looks “like markets in London and other parts of the western world,” stressing that the improved infrastructure would boost trade, attract investors and enhance the image of Aba as a centre for commerce and manufacturing.

Wabara, however, urged Gov. Otti not to relent until the entire Ariaria International Market remodeling project was fully realized, stressing that no section of the market should be abandoned in the course of the ongoing transformation.

The former Senate President advised the Governor to treat the comprehensive modernization of Ariaria as one of the signature projects of his administration, noting that the successful completion of the project would leave a lasting legacy in the economic history of Abia State and further reposition Aba as a leading commercial hub in Africa.

He noted that Ariaria International Market remains critical to the economy of Abia State and the South East due to the huge volume of commercial and entrepreneurial activities taking place daily there.

Similarly, Wabara also applauded Governor Otti’s proposed seaport project at Azumini Blue River in Ukwa, describing it as a bold economic initiative capable of transforming Abia into a major regional trade gateway.

“If successfully realized, the project will undoubtedly open a new economic corridor for Abia State, decongest existing ports, attract massive investments, stimulate industrialization and position Abia as a major gateway for regional and international trade,” Wabara said.

He added that the proposed seaport would fast-track infrastructure development, improve logistics, create jobs and strengthen the economy of the South East region, urging the Governor to remain focused on developmental policies capable of improving the business environment and uplifting the living conditions of the people.

Wabara, Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declared that good governance and performance should always be acknowledged irrespective of political differences.

“As an elder statesman, I believe that when leaders perform creditably, they deserve commendation irrespective of political affiliations. Governance should always be about the people and the collective progress of society, not partisan considerations,” he stated.

According to him political power without impactful leadership is an apology, even as he urged those in leadership positions to work for the people irrespective of their party affiliations.

He said that good leaders would always be remembered for their good legacies while history will not be kind to those who smoked opportunities because of partisan interests.