IWAJI FESTIVAL: ASMATA PG Pledges Stronger Partnership With Soludo to Boost Anambra IGR

By Polycarp Onwubiko

The President-General of the Anambra State Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), Chief Humphrey Anuna, has reaffirmed the association’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, particularly in boosting internally generated revenue (IGR) from markets across the state.

Anuna made the commitment during the second annual Iwaji cultural festival held at the ASMATA headquarters, No. 56 Modebe Avenue, Odoakpu, Onitsha.

The colourful event attracted ASMATA zonal market leaders, women leaders, members of the youth wing, prominent personalities and other stakeholders, who gathered to celebrate Igbo cultural heritage while also reflecting on the progress and administration of the association.

Anuna, popularly known as Onwa Nze Ajilija of Oraeri, Ogwu Ndi Afia and Solution, arrived at the venue in his traditional chieftaincy regalia and staff of office amid cheers from the enthusiastic crowd.

He was ushered into the event by the ASMATA Oma Mbem, Fabian Chibeze Ezuo of Oraeri, whose performance added colour to the cultural celebration.

After his ceremonial arrival, the ASMATA President-General changed into the association’s official uniform, joining other members in demonstrating the unity and identity of the traders’ organisation.

In his welcome address, Anuna expressed appreciation to ASMATA members, zonal market leaders and women groups for their support and solidarity, which he said had contributed to the achievements recorded by his administration.

He particularly highlighted the relationship between ASMATA and the state government, assuring that the association would continue to support Governor Soludo’s administration in strengthening revenue generation from markets.

“ASMATA will continue partnering with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration to achieve quantum leaps in internally generated revenue, especially from the markets, for the socioeconomic growth and development of Anambra State,” Anuna said.

The ASMATA boss, however, expressed concern over what he described as attempts by some zonal market leaders to undermine the activities of the association.

He assured members that the challenges would be addressed in the coming weeks, while appealing for continued cooperation and support for his administration.

Anuna also commended wealthy members of ASMATA who contributed financially and materially towards the successful organisation of the Iwaji festival, which was conducted in accordance with Igbo tradition and customs.

He specifically appreciated the leader of The Great Vanguard, Hon. Ogochukwu Emmanuel Obi, whom he described as an Odogwu, for his support and contribution to the administration.

The President-General further appealed to ASMATA members to always appear in the prescribed association uniform during official events, describing the practice as a demonstration of unity, discipline and organisational identity.

To encourage members who complied, he rewarded those who attended the festival in the prescribed uniform with ₦5,000 each.

He also praised ASMATA’s women leaders for their consistent support and readiness to respond to the needs of the organisation.

Speaking with journalists, the leader of The Great Vanguard, Hon. Ogochukwu Emmanuel Obi, commended Anuna for what he described as his administrative acumen, transparency and accountability.

Obi expressed confidence that ASMATA would continue to make a significant contribution to Anambra State’s revenue base under Anuna’s leadership.

“With the transparency and accountability of Chief Anuna, ASMATA would be generating quantum revenue from the markets. It is during his tenure that proper accounts are being made and all the revenues due to the state government are paid into the government coffers,” Obi said.

He described Anuna as the best ASMATA President-General, noting that his eight years in office had demonstrated what he called God-fearing leadership, transparency and accountability.

“Onwa Nze Ajilija of Oraeri is the best ASMATA President-General. For eight years in office, he has proven to be a God-fearing man, with transparency and accountability as his watchwords,” Obi stated.

Also speaking, the leader of the ASMATA Youth Wing, Ifeanyi Ogenyi, commended Anuna for what he described as sound leadership.

Ogenyi said members of the youth wing remained committed to supporting the ASMATA administration and would continue to carry out assignments aimed at ensuring the smooth running of the market organisation.

Beyond its cultural significance, the second annual Iwaji festival provided an avenue for ASMATA leadership to reaffirm its commitment to effective administration, unity among traders and closer collaboration with the Anambra State Government.

For Anuna, the partnership with the Soludo administration remains an important pathway toward increasing revenue from the state’s markets and contributing to the socioeconomic development of Anambra State.

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