Market stakeholders in Anambra state have been assured of the preparedness of the National Union of Market Traders Employers of Nigeria (NUMTEN), to complement their efforts at making the market arena more conducive for trading in the state.
The NUMTEN National President, Comrade Ogu James Chukwuma gave the assurance over the weekend, during the inauguration ceremony of state and local government executives with the induction of the Patron and Matron.
He also assured that the era of retiring from active market trading activities hopelessly would be a thing of the past, revealing the Union’s plans to partner with the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) to ensure members’ enjoyment of healthy retirement benefits.
He sought the continued support of the market leaders on the task ahead to ensure the aims and objectives of establishing NUMTEN by President Bola Tinubu’s administration will be collectively achieved.
“I charge officers in the state to work in synergy and solidarity to achieve more because injury to one is an injury to all.
“The issue of retiring from active market trading activities hopelessly will be a thing of the past. We’re going to ensure social protection by partnering with the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) to ensure our members enjoy healthy retirement benefits.
“Similarly, we understand that health is wealth, so we’ll partner with Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) for affordable medical health insurance schemes for our members and families.
“We’ll explore Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN’s) loan products such as Home Revolution Loans, Rent-to-Own and Home Ownership Loans,” he said.
Appreciating President Tinubu for the approval and certification of the union, Ogu identified other benefits of traders as retirement savings plans for members to contribute to their pension funds.
The State Commandant, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Daniel Onyeishi pledged the Agency’s readiness to partner with the market leaders to ensure drug abuse-free markets.
Onyeishi, represented by Deputy State Commander, Nwannenaya Chukwunyere urged the traders to avail the agency of any useful information that could assist her in carrying out its statutory mandate, promising to treat them with utmost confidentiality.
“Our mandate is to ensure our society is free from drugs and substance abuse which are rampant around us, including our markets.
“Our mandate is also to arrest, investigate and prosecute all related cases. But we can’t do it alone; reason we’re collaborating with traders is to ensure our markets are no longer safe haven for criminals.
“If you have any useful information, please feel free to pass such to us and allow us to do the needful,” he added.
The State Coordinator, Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Anambra State Office 1, Engr Hussani Emmanuel who represented Director General, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke reiterated the organization’s commitment to eradicating all forms of substandard products in the state.
Declaring the occasion open, Chairman of the day, Chief Mike Emerah expressed joy over the significant achievement of establishing the union in the state.
