The Honourable Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment in Benue State, Hon. Ankwa Amo II, on Tuesday inspected Modern Market in Makurdi to assess its level of development and identify challenges requiring urgent government attention.
The visit began with a prayer led by Mrs. Charista Michael, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics. Market Manager Mr. Akpelan Terhemba described the Commissioner’s visit as timely and highly welcome. The Chairman of Modern Market, Hon. Hillary, warmly received the Commissioner and outlined the major challenges confronting traders, including the poor condition of the market hall, non-functional toilets, bad internal roads, inadequate water supply, damaged culverts, lack of security lights and prolonged power outage.
He appealed to the Commissioner to urgently engage Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia for immediate intervention to restore the market to a befitting commercial centre. Responding, Hon. Ankwa Amo II assured the market leadership and traders that their concerns would receive the attention they deserve. He described Governor Alia as a hardworking and listening Governor committed to infrastructure development across Benue State.
The Commissioner subsequently toured the market and personally inspected the affected facilities, including the market hall, roads, toilets, drainage systems, water facilities and other areas requiring urgent rehabilitation. He also inspected the fire service station, commended the personnel for keeping the facility in good condition and appreciated their contribution to protecting lives and property.
He further inspected the faulty transformer responsible for the prolonged darkness in the market and assured the traders that the matter would be properly communicated to the appropriate authorities. During his interaction with the marketers and youths, he encouraged them to remain united, peaceful and supportive of initiatives aimed at improving businesses and creating a better future for Benue State.
The inspection has renewed hope among traders that the concerns confronting Modern Market will soon receive decisive government intervention, as the Commissioner’s firsthand assessment has placed the urgent needs of the market firmly before the state government.
