Markets’ Leaders Commend Landmark Reforms in Trading Across Anambra, Hail 1 Youth 2 Skill Solution
By Chuka Nnabuife
THERE are landmark reforms being introduced in Anambra State’s markets. The progressive changes in the forms of infrastructure and mode of operation are of unprecedented scale.
President-General of Anambra State Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), Humphrey Anuna, who observed the transformation in modes of operation in the state’s markets, informed that changes evolved under the Solution Government of Gov. Chukwuma Charles Soludo.
“With the standard Soludo’s government is bringing into the markets, soon, when you see (an Anambra) trader you won’t know him because you won’t see him behave like the (crude) trader again,” said Chief Anuna.
He enthused that the new government is introducing hitherto unimagined changes in Anambra State’s markets. The reforms are marked by use modern technology, maintenance of the environment and general conducts.
Anuna disclosed this when Anambra State’s Commissioner for Youth Development, Patrick Agha Mba and a delegation from his ministry visited him on Friday (June 21) in his office at Onitsha.
Mr. Agha Mba and his team visited Anuna and his executive members to inform him of the commencement of the second phase of the 1 Youth 2 Skills Solution (1Y2SS) program of Anambra State government.
In his speech during the visit, the commissioner disclosed that one of the new features the government is introducing into the system through the 1Y2SS program is an online based training of trading apprentices in the markets.
The new project which seeks to improve the merchandising skills of the apprentices also comes with an app which the apprentices will use for the program. The commissioner who said his visit was to consult the traders as core stakeholders in 1Y2SS, also informed that the government is working hard on turning the entire state into an interconnected panoramic metropolitan mega city which will be ultimately expand the reach of traders.
Agha Mba’s words: “we came because the Solution Government we have currently in Anambra State believes in grassroots governance and constant consultations between the government and the people.
“1Y2SS is one of its projects with a bottom-to-top approach. It is a developmental project. It is not a political thing. Our Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo has his mind set on how to develop a productive society. He wants to develop everyone for Anambra to be a productive and prosperous society.
“We came to tell you that we have been told to do another round of 1Y2SS but with Innovations that upscale it.”
He disclosed one of the new beats of the new phase as a skills development scheme for apprentice trades (Umu Boyi).
“This time, the program we have for Umu Boyi, you will enjoy it,” he told the ASMATA President-General.
He added that the government of Prof. Soludo is “keen on opening up all the nooks and crannies of the state through development.”
Responding, Chief Anuna who was accompanied by the secretary-general of ASMATA, Macaulay Ekwe, thanked the commissioner for deeming it apt to reach out to traders and said that “traders are among the most beneficiaries of what the government has done in Anambra State, particularly through such initiatives as the 1Y2SS.
He added: “we are very well involved in it. This time, we will still be very actively involved.”
