Anambra Market Leader Earns Military Merit Award for Exceptional Support to Security Agencies
By Polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha
It was a historic moment when the President-General of Ogbaru Main Market popularly known as Relief Market—Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu, received an award of honour in recognition of his contributions to the Officers’ Mess, Military Cantonment, Onitsha, Anambra State.
Chief Ochiogu was particularly commended for his alertness to security issues, his support to security agencies in combating insecurity in the state, and his efforts in restoring peace and tranquillity in Ogbaru Main Market.
The event, held at the Officers’ Mess, Military Cantonment, Onitsha, attracted several prominent personalities from Okpoko Community and executives of Ogbaru Main Market. Among them was the Assistant Secretary of the Market, Chief Bucknor Agu, who acknowledged that fighting insecurity is a difficult task and praised the Army for its doggedness in securing Anambra State.
Other dignitaries in attendance include the Councillor representing Okpoko Ward 1 in Ogbaru Local Government Area, Hon. Sir Chidiebere Umechukwu (KSJI); Secretary-General of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), Hon. Malachy Ekwe, fondly called “Teacher”; and Chief Ochiogu’s Chief Security Officer, Mr. Chigbogu Nwinya, among others.
Speaking with journalists after the ceremony, the Commander of the 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha, Colonel Bitrus Madaki Yakubu, explained that the idea behind the award was to bring the public closer to the Army so that citizens could assist in intelligence gathering by reporting suspicious activities promptly.
He noted that recognising deserving individuals helps build understanding and collaboration, which ultimately supports the Army in successfully carrying out its operations.
“This award is for some of our friends who have stood with us during operations because we cannot fight insecurity alone. We rely on our host communities, especially those who have come close to us through our engagements and operations. When you see something, say something,”
“Gone are the days when people ran away from the Army. We are Nigerians, working for Nigerians, and being paid by taxpayers. We must have the people close to us, assisting us with accurate information that improves our operations. That is why we honoured individuals who have consistently supported us—Chief Ochiogu being one of them. The exercise will continue,” he added.
Colonel Yakubu further urged citizens to feel free to associate with the Army and even join the Officers’ Mess as members. He encouraged Chief Ochiogu to continue playing his role as a market leader, describing his contributions as part of nation-building. He advised him to guide his market executives on basic security tips and to promptly report abnormal situations to the nearest police station, Agunechemba security outfit, or any other security agency.
“It is better to report something and it turns out to be nothing than to say nothing and something dangerous occurs,” he added.
In his response, Chief Ochiogu expressed joy at receiving the award, especially because it relates to security, which he said is everyone’s responsibility. He described Colonel Yakubu as a committed officer who arrived in Anambra State with a mission to strengthen security, noting that he works closely with the Chairman of the Officers’ Mess, Chief Henry Akpotue, who mobilizes community support for the commander.
He noted that, in the past, people were afraid to associate with the Army, but Chief Akpotue has helped bridge that gap by showing that Colonel Yakubu is open, approachable, and committed to community engagement. According to him, this new relationship has inspired confidence among the people.
“We will continue supporting him in his work. Whenever we see anything suspicious, we will notify him. That is why he selected individuals who genuinely want peace in Anambra State and honoured them through the Chairman of the Officers’ Mess, Chief Akpotue,” .
“As a market leader, I am close to the people and can inform the commander of happenings in the area. If there are suspicious bushes or activities, we will report them. This is why the Army is combing the bushes to ensure Anambra State becomes safer.”Ochiogu said
Chief Ochiogu noted that the award signifies the strong partnership between traders of Ogbaru Main Market and security agencies.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Officers’ Mess, Military Cantonment, Onitsha, Chief Henry Ikechukwu Akpotue, described Chief Ochiogu as a hardworking and dedicated market leader. He stated that although there are many market leaders in Anambra State, Chief Ochiogu stood out because of his character and commitment to duty, which earned him recognition by the Army.
Chief Akpotue, who initiated the process leading to the award, reiterated that Chief Ochiogu is an exemplary leader whom the Army wishes to maintain a close working relationship with. Fondly called Egbe-eji-ejeogu, he explained that awards are only given after careful monitoring and consideration by members of the Officers’ Mess, highlighting that Chief Ochiogu merited the honour.
