Ochiogu Rolls Out Scorecard, Counters Dissent

By Polycarp Ifeanyi

Chief Patrick Ndubuisi Ochiogu, President-General of Ogbaru Main Market near Onitsha, Anambra State, has demonstrated what many describe as exemplary leadership, echoing the biblical adage: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice” (Proverbs 29:2).
Against the backdrop of criticisms from opposition voices within the market, Chief Ochiogu deemed it necessary to present a verifiable account of his administration’s achievements, urging his detractors to confirm the projects independently.
Before his election as substantive President-General a few years ago, Ochiogu served the market in several capacities, including Chief Taskforce Officer, Vice President, and Chairman of the Caretaker Committee.
Since assuming office, he has pursued what he describes as a deliberate, development-driven agenda, earning a reputation among traders as a focused and purposeful leader.
His emergence, according to supporters, reflected both popular will and providence.
His leadership style has attracted recognition and titles from traders and his community.
Within the market, he is known as Oputa Ife-adi and Ochoudo of Ogbaru Main Market, signifying an epitome of peace. His hometown of Oraukwu conferred on him the chieftaincy title Madu-Adiche.
During a guided tour of completed projects for journalists, Chief Ochiogu reflected on his motivation for seeking office.
Having begun his career in the market as an apprentice and observed what he described as the shortcomings of successive administrations, he said he felt compelled to contest for the presidency to address longstanding neglect and alleviate traders’ challenges.
“When I became President-General of Ogbaru Main Market, I swore before God, who brought me to this position, that I would change the narrative about market leadership. I promised to be truthful to traders who elected me and to reposition the market to meet standards obtainable in other markets,” he stated.
Upon resumption, he identified security as a priority, moving swiftly to curb recurring burglary incidents and restore order.
He also initiated the evacuation of refuse heaps along Obodoukwu Road and cleared drainage systems within and around the market to prevent flooding that previously damaged traders’ goods. Recognising the importance of sanitation, he constructed modern toilet facilities.
Further interventions included the procurement of medium and large fire extinguishers to guard against fire outbreaks and the rehabilitation of a faulty borehole system, which now supplies water to various sections of the market.
Responding to critics who claim his administration has achieved little, Ochiogu maintained that he restored peace to a once-fractious market environment immediately after taking office.
He also disclosed that he facilitated the reconstruction of the damaged Sakamori Road through the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), in collaboration with the Anambra State Government.
Additional initiatives under his administration include the HERO apprenticeship scheme, loan grants to traders, and the installation of solar-powered lighting across the market.
He further strengthened collaboration with security agencies, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Army, and other regulatory bodies to enhance safety and regulatory compliance.
Among other achievements, he listed the construction of a Soludo Support Group office, the repayment of ₦11 million in outstanding debts to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) inherited from previous administrations, and the removal of obstructive shanties to improve network connectivity and ease vehicular movement.
Shop structures were reportedly raised to a height of twelve feet to enhance accessibility. His administration also introduced an annual celebration for traders aged 70 and above, presenting them with cash gifts and other items in recognition of their contributions.
Chief Ochiogu further stated that he played a pivotal role in consolidating the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) at both the Ogbaru Local Government level and within the market community.
“I met Ogbaru Main Market in a state of disarray and was determined to revive it. I am proud of the progress we have made. I cannot mislead traders because they have supported me, and they are now reaping the benefits. My commitment is to make the market conducive for all,” he remarked.
Widely described by supporters as one of the market’s best-performing leaders, Ochiogu expressed appreciation to the Board of Trustees, patrons, executive members, line chairmen, and secretaries for their support.
He also commended Governor Charles Soludo for what he termed visionary leadership and a transformative agenda for Anambra State, particularly in relation to traders.
He extended gratitude to the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly and APGA leader in Ogbaru Local Government, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze; the member representing Ogbaru I Constituency, Hon. Noble Chukwunonso Igwe; and the Mayor of Ogbaru Local Government, Hon. Sir Kenneth Akwuobi.
Special recognition was given to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Markets, Chief Everest Uba (“Oba na-buenyi”), for his coordination efforts, as well as to Chief Humphrey Anuna, popularly known as Onwa Ajiriji Ogwu di-Ahia, described as a father figure to traders and a leader among market heads in Anambra State.