The Dein of Agbor kingdom, His Royal Majesty (HRM), Dr. Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuze 1, on Saturday 3rd October 2020, performed the groundbreaking and foundation laying ceremony.
Chairman, Ika south local government area of the state, Hon. (Barr.) Victor Okoh in his address said the choice for the site of the market is historic because it was originally designed as Christian Training Center (CTC) which later metamorphosed to a market for the sale of varieties of goods and food stuffs.
The Council boss stated that as a result of growth in population and in order to boost the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the Council, his administration thought it wise to look inward for additional source of revenue for the council.
Speaking further, Hon. Okoh, said the Council followed due process and entered into Public Private Partnership (PPP) otherwise known as, Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement in favor of Graceland Channels Limited, stressing that executing project of this magnitude under PPP remains the best way to go in modern governance.
The Council Chairman said the local government regrets any inconveniences caused the market men and women, who are temporarily displaced as a result of the construction work going on, assuring them of better days ahead.
In his words, “May I use this opportunity to passionately appeal to the good people of Ika South Local Government to co-operate with the concessionaire and avoid disruption of work and vandalization of the project”.
Hon. Okoh, thanked His Royal Majesty, Dr. Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi 1, the Dien of Agbor Kingdom for his continued support and His Excellency , the Governor of the state, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for giving the Council the go ahead to execute the multi-million naira project for the benefit of the people.
Earlier in a brief remark, Pastor Nath Omoruyie, MD/CEO, Graceland Channels Limited said the construction of the market is in four phases, and that the first phase which will consist of ninety two (92) stores ould be completed and commissioned in December.
