New Deal For Traders In Akwa Ibom

Traders in Akwa Ibom are excited by all the support they have received from Gov. Udom Emamuel, who has not only floated an interest-free loan for them to enhance their businesses, but appointed one of them as his aide.

They say that it has never been this good with them since the creation of Akwa Ibom. The creation of the office of the special assistant to the state governor on Trade and Market Matters has been described as a new dawn for traders in Akwa Ibom, leaders of the various traders’ associations said.

By creating a link between the traders and his administration through the appointment of a trader, Akaprawa Idorenyin Raphael as his aide on Trade and Market Matters, Gov. Emmanuel, the traders say, has brought them closer to government.

This gesture, according to the traders has created a mutually beneficial relationship between them and the state government, adding that they have started enjoying the benefits of the new deal in many ways.

Apart from the interest-free loan and appointment of a trader as his aide, Gov. Emmanuel also donated a bus to the traders.

Speaking through their various association leaders, the traders in a statement made available to The Scroll declared their support to the governor and assured him of their votes if he decides to go for a second term in 2019.From Obonganwan Maria Essien, woman leader, Akwa Ibom Traders Network to Obonganwan Glory Dickson, also the woman leader, Conference of Akwa Ibom State Traders down to Obong Christopher Usoro, President, Conference of Akwa Ibom State Traders and Akparawa Effiong Ekpenyong, the message was that of gratitude to the governor for his support to traders.

Other Market association leaders who also endorsed the message of appreciation to the Governor were Comrade Umoh Cyril Paul, Vice-President, Nigerian Automobile and Technician Association (NATA) Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Mr . Anthony Udofia, President, Itam Market ; Pastor Moses Sambo, President Akwa Ibom Traders Network; Obonganwan Magdalene Udom, President Market Women Frontline and Prince Uwem Tom, President, Ibom Beneficiary Cooperative Union.

It was observed that the traders were sufficiently prepared for Gov. Emmanuel’s support having put in place a cooperative society- Akwa Ibom Traders Co-Operative Association. The loan was passed through the group. This is the umbrella body of traders in raw materials, industrial and finished goods, locally made and imported as well as small and medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria).

In order to encourage and improve the link between production and distribution of goods , members of the cooperative was recently expanded to include small scale local manufacturers of items like shoes, garments, cosmetics, furniture, household goods and local material providers as well as small scale farmers in various agricultural produce. Women constitute about 65 per cent of members of Akwa Ibom Traders Cooperative Association.

[SOURCE: THE PDP SCROLL]