Market Chairman Commends Traders On New Traders General Levy, Laments On Erosion Site
By Juliana Nwachukwu
The Chairman of Ogbaru Main Market, (Relief), Ogbaru Local Government Area, Anambra State, Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu has commended the traders of the market for their compliance on the new traders General Purpose Levy(GPL) which commenced this year 2024.
Speaking from his office at the market, he revealed that the market initially generated N1 million at the commencement of the levy. However, over the past few days, the daily revenue has surged to N5 million.
He attributed this success to effective communication, stating, "We started disseminating information early, keeping stakeholders informed about discussions from every meeting on the general purpose levy, including expected amounts. We utilized various channels, such as BOT and Patrons meetings, as well as announcements during our weekly prayers."
He further explained the payment process, saying, "Some market lines collect levies independently and submit them, while others come directly to my office to make payments. Additionally, some traders pay through the officials in charge of stallage."
“Where we have problem is Oduigbo, where the women sell foodstuffs, but I have consulted Mr Chike Odorji, the Coordinator Enforcement and Compliance, Anambra State Internal Revenue Services to come and tell them by himself, so that there would be no complaints on collecting lesser or higher than the supposed amount.
He passionately appealed to the state government to intervene and rescue the market from the devastating erosion, which has ravaged two areas, affecting 15 shops. Despite efforts to mitigate the damage by placing sandbags and spending a substantial amount of money, the situation remains dire.
He noted that he has personally spent up to ₦4 million on the section beside Oduigbo, but the last repair was washed away by floodwaters during rainfall, sweeping away two newly constructed scraps, two old ones, and rods.
Chief Ochiogu further stated that government officials, including the Commissioner for Works, the House member in charge, and the State House member representing Ogbaru LG, Mr Noble Igwe, have visited the site.
"Our market is equipped with solar light and fire extinguisher in every line, we also have borehole in our market, so these were steps taken so far to ensure security and prevention of our market from fire outbreak.
On the coming local government election slated on 28th September, Chief Ochiogu commended Governor Soludo and the Speaker Mr Somtochukwu Udeze on their efforts so far which comes to fruition.
He dismissed the ongoing controversy surrounding Edozie Njoku's claim to be the party's national chairman as a mere fallacy, stating that it is not a significant issue.
According to him, this is a deliberate attempt to frustrate the governor's impressive developmental strides in the state, but it will not succeed. "Whenever someone is achieving great things, there will always be attempts to distract them. However, we must remain focused on our goals.
"The Party National Chairman, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, and our Governor, Charles Soludo, are doing an excellent job, and we will not let distractions hinder their progress."
He however thanked the speaker who promised that very soon, work would commence at Uga-Odekpe -Atani Road.
* Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
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