Anyamene Commences Re-building of Eke Obosi Market
By Chiedu Uche Okoye
Engr. Eric Nnamdi Anyamene, Founder of Eric Nnamdi Anyamene Foundation (ENAF), and a political aspirant for the seat of the Representative of Idemili North and South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, has embarked on the task of re-building the Eke Obosi market.
The market, which came into existence some centuries ago, is central to the performance of cultural and traditional rites by practitioners of African traditional religion, who are natives of Obosi.
Again, the traditional rites for the installation of new kings in the ancient Obosi kingdom had taken place at the Eke Obosi market over the centuries.
More so, persons on whom royal titles had been bestowed, would go to Eke Obosi market for spiritual cleansing and re-invigoration, which would herald their entrance into the ruling cabinet of the king of Obosi.
But sadly, the makeshift structures that used to dot the Eke Obosi market did not befit its status as the traditional headquarters of the ancient Obosi kingdom.
Thankfully, those grotesque makeshift structures had been leveled to pave way for the building of a modern market that should serve as the traditional centre of Obosi and a place for trading activities.
Engr. Anyamene, who has undertaken the task of re-building the market, highlighted the economic importance of the market, saying that his grandmother earned money for the upkeep of her family by trading at the market.
"Chiedu, this project is also deeply personal to me. My grand mother traded at Eke Obosi market. That market fed families, built homes, and shaped lives, including mine. So that is not about infrastructure, it is about gratitude, heritage, and continuity," Anyamene said.
Anyamene further said that Eke Obosi market is a sacred place where cultural and traditional rites bordering on titles, kingship, and funeral are performed.
"Eke market is not just a place of buying and selling. It is a sacred cultural ground, a place where traditions are affirmed, titles are honoured, and the spiritual heritage of our people is preserved.
"Today, while Eke market remains spiritually important, its physical state does not match its status.
"We cannot allow a heritage site, a place of rites, honour, and tradition to remain in decline," Anyamene said.
More so, the Obosi Development Union (ODU) Women Leader, Ambassador Augusta Ebunam, expressed happiness at the re-building of Eke Obosi market and praised Engr. Eric Anyamene for re-building it.
"I am happy that the Eke Obosi market is being re-built. It is a good thing. And my prayer is that God shall bless Engr. Eric Nnamdi Anyamene for his philanthropic work," Ebunam said.
Mrs. Oge Ewudo-Okoye, who buys condiments at the market, said that the Eke Obosi market would shed its toga of a rural market, and serve the needs of people, who live nearby when the market is completely re-built.
More photos below.
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