A former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, has commended Abia State Governor Alex Otti for his transformative agenda, including the ongoing remodeling of the Ariaria International Market, Aba.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Umuahia on Saturday, Mr Wabara stated that the market now compared with markets in London and other developed economies

According to the statement, the former senate president made the commendation after a recent visit to the market.

He said the level of transformation at the market reflected deliberate efforts to revive Aba’s economic glory.

“Having personally visited the remodeled market, I must sincerely commend Otti for the remarkable transformation taking place in one of the most strategic commercial hubs in Nigeria and the West African sub-region,” he said.

He noted that what he saw went beyond a facelift, describing it as a deliberate economic renaissance, capable of restoring Aba’s pride as the industrial and commercial hub of the South-East

“The improved infrastructure will boost trade, attract investors, and enhance Aba’s image as a centre for commerce and manufacturing,” he said.

He urged Mr Otti not to relent until the entire remodeling was completed, stressing that no section of the market should be left out.

He added that the comprehensive modernisation of Ariaria should be treated as one of the signature projects of Mr Otti’s administration.

Mr Wabara added that the completion of the market would leave a lasting legacy and further reposition Aba as a leading commercial hub in Africa.

“As an elder statesman, I believe that when leaders perform creditably, they deserve commendation, irrespective of political affiliations.

“Governance should be about the people and the collective progress of society, not partisan considerations,” Mr Wabara, who chairs the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s board of trustees, stated.

He also applauded Mr Otti’s proposed seaport project at Azumini Blue River in Ukwa.

“If successfully realised, the project will open a new economic corridor for Abia, decongest existing ports, attract massive investments, stimulate industrialisation, and position Abia as a major gateway for regional and international trade,” he said.

Mr Wabara, who hails from Ukwa, further said that the seaport would fast-track infrastructure development, improve logistics, create jobs, and strengthen the economy of the South-East.

He urged the governor to remain focused on developmental policies that improve the business environment and uplift the living conditions of the people.

(NAN)