By Ehichioya Steve Odion
The Traders Welfare Union of Nigeria, Edo State Chapter, held their Traders Day 2021, in Benin City today,, with the Theme: "The activities of Bad Market Leaders /Evil Unions in our Markets and the Consequences".
The Member representing Oredo Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Ogbeide Ihama who was officially made a Patron with an award by the Traders Welfare Union said it was very emotional and touching that the widows in the union came out to pray for him. "I think you know the implication of the prayer of widows as stipulated in the book of Life, the Bible. These women has been my support base as they pray for me regularly. Today, they also dedicated their time to pray for me. I'm so humbled".
"As for the award I appreciated the leadership of the Traders Union while I thanked God and dedicated the award to the people of Oredo".
Hon. Ogbeide specially thanked the President of the Union, Comrade Lucky Orukpe for all his efforts in fighting for the welfare of Traders. He said he carefully listened to all the issues raised by the Union and promised to assist them where necessary. He advised those youths tormenting the market women to desist from such evil act so that their life will not be cut short as such action is totally against humanity.
He promised to look into the problem delaying the proposed building of the fruit market so that it can see the light of the day. He also promised to look into the issue of illegal levies in the market, adding that if it means meeting the state government for a final solution that he will not hesitate to do that.
He equally promised to partner with the Union once they are able to identify those children who need such assistant to be trained in school and Skill Acquisition program.
In his opening remark, the President of the Traders Welfare Union of Nigeria, Edo State Chapter, Comrade Lucky Orukpe disclosed that the Union started in 1997, adding that the Union is a Human Rights Organization meant to put a stop to all illegal levies inside the markets.
"We have been able to eliminate 39 illegal tickets in New Benin Market, 11 in 3rd junction and 19 in Lagos Street. We have a mission and vision to set our traders free from oppression and injustice. To put a stop to those forcing people to join evil Unions before they can trade in our market. These evil unions are responsible for the high cost of food commodities. We are calling on the Edo State Government to support us in order to eradicate the ugly trend".
Orukpe said the Union also need the support of the security agents to help them, so that they can put an end to the thuggery and cultism inside Edo Markets, especially this Christmas period.
He said the Traders Welfare Union decided to honour Hon. Ogbeide Ihama due the yealy support he is giving the security agents to ensure crime free. "It is a man that is doing well in the areas of youths and women empowerment across the 18 local government areas. Our award is based on integrity and not for money sake".
On his part, the Senior Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Security, Haruna Yusuf said it was clear that the Traders Welfare Union under the leadership of Comrade Lucky Orukpe is doing well.
He promised that the Edo State government will give them all the necessary support they need to secure the markets so that the Traders can do their business in peace.
Highlight of the ceremony was the awards of honour given out to some deserving individuals and N500,000 each donated to the Widows and the Union for their Christmas party by Hon. Ogbeide Ihama.
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