The university town of Nsukka came alive on Saturday as Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, laid the foundation for the Nsukka International Market, a massive 5,000-shop complex.
The governor promised that his administration would always consider the welfare of people affected by development projects.
Standing before a cheering crowd, Mbah dismissed claims that the project was designed to punish former occupants of Ogige Market.
He explained that his inclusive development model meant every part of the state must benefit. This, he said, was why Nsukka was chosen for a modern transport terminal and now, the new market.
He reminded the people that similar projects had been carried out in Ogbete Holy Ghost, Abakpa Nike, and Gariki, where shop owners were relocated to make way for modern terminals.
Mbah Address His People
“This is beyond groundbreaking for me,” Mbah said. “It has provoked emotions and sometimes even attempts to mislead and create false narratives. Sometimes it is not about misunderstanding government’s intentions, but a sheer evil agenda of enemies of public good.”
“Our intention to construct the Nsukka Modern Transport Terminal is in the overriding public interest. Many months ago, we took a decision to revamp our transportation sector by building a world-class bus terminal. We cannot talk about development and think only of one section of our state.”
He described the new market as “a one-stop shop for everything,” and promised that construction would be completed by the end of 2025. Traders from the old Ogige Market will be the first to get shops.
“In four months, we will be ready with these shops,” he assured. “Those affected by the Ogige bus terminal project will be given the right of first refusal.”
Voices of support
Chairman of Nsukka LGA, Engr. Jude Asogwa, praised the governor’s projects, calling them a source of “huge relief, economic growth, and empowerment” for Nsukka and the entire Enugu North Zone.
“We have been joyful over the world-class transport terminal you built for us. While we were still celebrating it, you have come again to lay the foundation for the Nsukka International Market. Your good works are inexplicable,” Asogwa said, urging affected traders to register their names for shop allocation.
Federal and state lawmakers from the area, including Hon. Chidi Mark Obetta and Hon. Malachy Onyechi, along with Commissioner for Health Prof. George Ugwu and PDP Zonal Woman Leader Mrs. Ngozi Ezeja, also thanked the governor.
Prof. Ugwu noted that the governor had recently facilitated a ₦1 billion federal government-supported oxygen plant at the State General Hospital, Nsukka. They all pledged full political support for Mbah in the 2027 elections.
Royal blessings and more projects
Before the event, Mbah visited the Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Samuel Asadu, in Edem Ani.
He was also welcomed by Igwe Tony Ezema of Obimo and other traditional rulers, who thanked him for influencing the appointment of Prof. Simon Ortuanya as the first Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
The governor’s working visit also saw the commissioning of the newly reconstructed School of Health–Stadium–GRA–Secretariat–Prisons Ring Road, a project by Engr. Asogwa.
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