**Abia State Government to Reallocate Ekeoha Plaza to Original Traders** The Abia State government has announced plans to reallocate the remodeled Ekeoha Shopping plaza to its original shop owners before considering other persons. According to Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Mrs Obiukwu, the government aims to prioritize the original traders, who will be the first to receive allocation when the remodeling project is completed. Mrs Obiukwu made this statement after a joint inspection of the progress of work at the market with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem. The inspection was part of the government's efforts to ensure that the ongoing remodeling project meets the agreed terms. "Our intention is to let our traders know that His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, means well for them," Mrs Obiukwu said. "And from what we have seen, we are going to report back to him that this place, at least the first two blocks, are ready for allocation if you complete those little things that remain." The Commissioner expressed hope that the first phase of the remodeling project would be concluded within a few weeks, allowing traders to move into their shops before the end of April this year. She also urged the leadership of the market to mobilize traders to take the ongoing voters registration exercise seriously, with the goal of achieving a 99% registration rate among traders at Ekeoha shopping center. Chief Nwaka Inem, the Special Adviser to the Governor, emphasized that the state government is committed to modernizing all markets in the state with minimal inconveniences on traders. "Today, we were more practical and intentional with our plans," he said. "Our plans are to modernize the whole market environment." Chief Inem assured that the government will keep monitoring the developer to ensure that he abides by the tripartite agreement reached earlier. He noted that the current progress of the project is in line with the government's plan for the market. "I think, but what we are seeing here is something that is in line with what we planned and envisaged," he said.