Gov Nwifuru approves completion of Ebonyi Trade Centre abandoned for 16 years

Ebonyi State government has approved continuation of work on the state Trade Centre project abandoned for over sixteen years.

 

The project, Ebonyi World Trade Centre was started by the first Governor of the state, Senator Sam Egwu between 1999 and 2007. Egwu had taken the gigantic 10 storey Building structure up to 70% completion before leaving office.

 

Two subsequent administrations after him refused to continue with the project, alleging that it failed integrity test. The popular rumour then was that the building was sinking.

 

On assumption of office, May, 29, 2023, Governor Francis Nwifuru started showing interest in the abandoned project. He had in several fora made statements suggesting that the foundation of the building was well fortified and strong enough to hold the structure, thereby debunking the allegation that it failed integrity test.

 

In fact, Governor Nwifuru in one of his meetings had strengthened his position by narrating how he was one of the site workers at the project from its beginning before he fully joined politics.

 

Briefing newsmen Tuesday on the outcome of Monday’s State Executive Council meeting, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Engr. Jude Okpor, said the Council approved the redesigning and completion of the project.

 

Okpor said: “Following the presentation of a redesigned structure of the uncompleted Ebonyi Trade Centre at Presco Junction, Abakaliki, to EXCO, council deliberated and approved the completion of same.”

 

The Commissioner explained that the redesigned structure on completion would house the Trade Centre as well as the state owned hotel, Ebonyi Hotels which has gone moribund.

 

“Council further resolved to recover all lands belonging to the Trade Centre and directed the Commissioner for Lands to commence process of recovering and securing the land with perimeter fencing” the Commissioner added.

 

Commissioner Okpor further told newsmen that the Executive Council also approved the design for the construction of a new estate at Abakaliki city centre.

 

The estate to be known as Nnodo-Ekumenyi Palm Boulevard would be sited at the former location of Abakaliki main market popularly called Abakpa main market, and would be equipped with modern facilities such as civic centres, banks, shopping malls, other modern business outlets and recreational facilities, among others.

 

The Commissioner noted that the approval was part of Governor Nwifuru’s fulfilment of his People’s Charter of Needs manifesto to development Smart Cities to address accommodation challenges and enhance the aesthetic status of major cities across state.