The newly elected Chairman of the Lokoja International Market Association, Alhaji Hassan Inuwa Manager, has pledged to run an inclusive, transparent and corruption-free administration, assuring traders of protection and improved welfare.
Speaking at his inauguration in Lokoja, Alhaji Inuwa expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the successful transition and commended traders for what he described as a peaceful and transparent electoral process.
“This mandate belongs to every trader in this market. We accept it with humility and a deep sense of responsibility,” he said.
The chairman called for unity and cooperation among traders, stressing that meaningful progress could only be achieved through collective effort, regardless of ethnic, religious or personal differences.
“It will not be business as usual,” he declared. “My team and I will resist any form of oppression against traders. We are determined to fight corruption in all its forms. Illegal extortion, unauthorized sale of shops and misuse of government property will not be tolerated and will be reported to the appropriate authorities without fear or favour.”
Alhaji Inuwa noted that his administration would prioritise peace, order and the welfare of traders, while strengthening collaboration with relevant government agencies and security operatives to ensure a safe and conducive business environment.
He assured traders that their concerns would be addressed promptly, adding that the protection of their businesses and interests would remain a top priority.
“With your support, prayers and cooperation, we will take Lokoja International Market to greater heights,” he said.
Earlier, the Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, represented by the Hakimi of Ward D, Alhaji Isah Baba Nasidi, urged the new leadership to uphold fairness and justice in the administration of the market.
In his goodwill message, the Kogi State Chairman of Hausa Traders, Alhaji Aliyu Garba, congratulated the new executives and called for sustained unity among traders.
Also speaking, the outgoing President-General of Igbo Community in Kogi State, Chief Sunday Solomon Wachuku, assured the new executives of the full cooperation of his people. He said traders remained the driving force behind the market’s revenue generation.
“Whatever the traders want the market to be is what it will become, because we are the ones generating the revenue,” he said.
Highlights of the ceremony included goodwill messages from leaders of various trader associations and market sections.
Members of the newly inaugurated executive council include Alhaji Ahmadu Ada Adamu as Secretary, Malam Nurah Abdullahi as Treasurer, Malam Aminu Muhammad as Public Relations Officer I, and Mr. Ezekwe Vincent as Public Relations Officer II.
The event was attended by market elders, association leaders, members of the executive council, traders and members of the press.
