Perpetua Egesimba
Recently, Mr. Nweke Benjamin Ndubuisi was inaugurated as president of Ereko Market Traders Association (EMTA) in Idumota, Lagos Island. At the event, other leaders of the association were also inaugurated its new leaders.
The new president, Ndubuisi, said he would ensure that the association witnessed more progress under his watch. “We will move the market forward from every angle, make sure that there is peace and unity and also make sure that all the members and their welfare are recognized,” he said.
Ndubuisi enumerated the many challenges the traders were facing and urged the government to address the challenges, adding that the market also generates revenue for the government.
READ ALSO: In Plateau, calm gradually returns to villages invaded by herdsmen
“Some of the challenges are from some of our members in the market in terms of behavior but we try to curtail it. Some of them don’t know how to talk to customers and other things. We are working on that.
“Then other problems that we are facing is from the local government whose officials lock our shops almost every day.
“As we have done the election, I will make sure that I carry along all the executives, members and everybody in the market. We are going to have our meeting to make sure that all the roads that are blocked are cleared, including all the main entrances.”
Chairman, Board of Trustees of the association, Ezechukwu Michael, stated that the association, which he described as one of the best in Lagos State, was determined to make the market lively.
“You see, Ereko Market is a very big market, one of the best markets where you can get shoes and tailoring material. And as such, we don’t need some of the challenges that we are facing here if we must be the best.
“We need government to help us create entrances into the market and help us clear the road. It is very important to have a clean and clear entrance into a big market like this. It is for the good of everybody, including the traders and the government because government is also generating money from this market.”
He further stated that the traders are peace loving and law-abiding people. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at
Ebute-Ero Police Division, Sina Olunlade, a Superintendent of Police, said since he was the number one security officer in the area, he had to be present at the event for the traders to feel the impact of policemen and also feel
secured.
READ ALSO: Lagos councillor stages quiz competition for Oke-Ira
“I was here with my men when they were doing their election. I advised them as per the security of this area. Election is not a do-or-die thing. There are two games, either you win or lose. I was with them till they finished
counting the ballot papers and there was no insecurity or any disorderliness.”
The DPO said he had always advised the traders not to take the law into their hands whenever they have issues amongst themselves.
“I have shared my phone number with all of them, so that if there is any problem they should immediately call me.
“If they continue the way they are handling things, there won’t be any problem in the market. And my advice to those who have taken over the mantle of the market is that, if you are an officer in this Ereko Market, you cannot take up another position in another place.”
He advised them to take care of all the members regardless of tribe, adding that the market is made up of diverse ethnic groups including the Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo among others.
According to him, the association has been helping the police in terms of maintaining a peaceful environment in the area.