By Michael Ilaya
A sociopolitical pressure group, Isoko-Nation Progressive Like-Minds (INPLM), has demanded for the award and commencement of Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the Ozoro Modern Market project.
The President and Secretary General, Comrade Ilaya Efemena Beckly and Julius Ogeh Othuke raised the concern in a statement yesterday in their social media handle, urging the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, having acknowledged and commended the progress of Phase 1 of the Ozoro Modern Market, to award and commence work on Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the project.
According to the group, “As sons and daughters of Isoko, we acknowledge and commend the progress of Phase 1 of the Ozoro Modern Market, which is now at the verge of completion for commissioning.
“But as a people, we must look beyond Phase 1 and focus on the bigger picture, the completion of the entire project”
The statement by the group further stated that “This development is a testament to the government’s recognition of Ozoro’s place as a fast-growing urban hub, a commercial nucleus, and a kingdom of great repute in Delta State.
The group canvassed further in their statement why the award of Phase 2 and Phase 3 should not be delayed, stating that “Ozoro’s position as an economic hub and the headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area, is not just a traditional kingdom but a commercial heartbeat of Isoko. Daily, traders, farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs troop into Ozoro from neighboring communities. A half-completed market will not serve this growing economic pressure; only a fully developed market with expanded capacity can”.
Furthermore, the group cited the reason of avoiding wastage and redundancy, that “If Phase 2 and Phase 3 are delayed, the momentum, mobilization, and resources already committed to Phase 1 may suffer setbacks. Awarding all phases together ensures continuity, proper planning, and uniform standards, instead of piecemeal structures that may create disparities or even fall short of a true ‘modern market’ status”.
Other reseans include creating of employment and economic opportunities, that “Awarding Phase 2 and Phase 3 immediately will open more doors for job creation from construction workers to local suppliers, artisans, and vendors. Beyond construction, the completed market will empower thousands of Isoko youths and women, stimulating small and medium-scale businesses.
“With the presence of the Southern Delta University (SDU), the Ozoro kingdom has experienced rapid urbanization and population growth. Students, staff, and investors require a well-structured market to support the economy of the area. Anything short of a comprehensive market project would be a gross under-service to the people.
“A project of this magnitude should not stop halfway. The government has an opportunity to write its name in gold by ensuring Ozoro does not end up with a glorified “mini-market,” but instead boasts of a standard commercial center befitting its status as one of the most developed kingdoms in Isoko and Delta State at large”
The INPLM, therefore calls on the Delta State Government, the Ministry of Urban Renewal, and all relevant stakeholders to approve, award, and commence Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the Ozoro Modern Market.
“We appeal that this should be done before or alongside the commissioning of Phase 1, so that the momentum is not lost and the vision of a complete modern market is not abandoned halfway.
“Isoko-Nation Progressive Like-Minds (INPLM) believes that development should be holistic, timely, and people-centered. Ozoro deserves nothing less than a fully functional, modern, and standard market that serves today and prepares for tomorrow”.
“The journey has begun with Phase 1, but the true destination lies in Phase 2 and Phase 3. INPLM will not rest until the dream of a complete Ozoro Modern Market becomes a reality”, the statement added.
