By Silvernews
The Executive Chairman of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Barr. Iheukwumere Alaribe, has flagged off the construction of an 82-unit ultra-modern shopping mall at Eke Nguru Market, in a move aimed at boosting commercial activities, private investment and local economic development.
The project, which is captured in the council’s 2026 budget, is being executed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement between Aboh Mbaise Local Government Council and Presso Shed Investment Limited.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Alaribe described the project as a significant milestone in his administration’s efforts to reposition Aboh Mbaise as a major centre of commerce and enterprise in Imo State.
He said the development of modern market infrastructure was critical to expanding business opportunities, attracting investment, creating jobs and strengthening the revenue base of the local government.
According to him, the redevelopment of Eke Nguru Market forms part of a broader strategy to transform strategic markets across Aboh Mbaise into modern commercial hubs capable of supporting the growing volume of trade and business activities in the area.
Alaribe stressed that the PPP arrangement demonstrated the council’s willingness to explore innovative and sustainable approaches to infrastructure development, adding that the shopping mall would improve the physical outlook of the market while enhancing its competitiveness as a commercial destination.
He called on traditional rulers, community leaders, market stakeholders and residents of Nguru to support the project and cooperate with the council and the developers to ensure its successful completion.
The chairman also assured stakeholders that the local government would provide the necessary oversight to ensure that the project was delivered according to approved specifications and within the agreed timeframe.
In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Presso Shed Investment Limited, Barr. Emma Njoku, thanked the council for entrusting the company with the project.
Njoku said the company accepted the partnership as part of its commitment to supporting development initiatives capable of promoting economic growth and community advancement.
He described Eke Nguru Market as strategically important to the local economy and assured that the company would deploy the requisite technical expertise, resources and professional standards to deliver a modern shopping complex that would serve traders, investors and residents for years to come.
He further pledged the company’s commitment to quality, transparency and adherence to the project’s implementation schedule.
The ceremony was attended by the Vice Chairman of the council, High Chief Donatus Nnamdi Anyanwu; Aboh Mbaise APC Apex Leader, Chief Charles Ogu; Secretary to the Local Government, Barr. Charles Mbakwe; Dr. Cliff Ogbede; Hon. John Ikewe; Hon. Ugochukwu Umunnakwe; Hon. Eze Oguzie; Hon. Sylvester Ugwuamaka; Engr. Leo Njoku; Oke Nze Julian Nwogu; Hon. Esther Eburuche; Nze Bon Erege; and the Traditional Ruler of Umunneato Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Leo Nwokeocha.
Also present were town union leaders from the three autonomous communities in Nguru, as well as other community leaders and stakeholders.
