The Abia State Government has revoked the Certificate of Occupancy (CoO) for TradeMore Event Center in Umuahia, citing overriding public interest. Plans are underway to develop a new multi-billion naira terminal project on the site.
The Certificate of Occupancy (CoO) issued to the owners of TradeMore Event Center, located at Okpara Square in Umuahia, Abia State, has been revoked by the Abia State Government due to overriding public interest, according to information available to ALL FACTS NEWSPAPER.
Historically, this location served as the site of the Umuahia Market before its relocation to Ubani Market during the administration of former Governor T. A. Orji. The then administration handed the vast property to TradeMore, with the expectation that the investors would develop a significant entertainment hub in the city center. Unfortunately, for over a decade, the area remained overgrown with weeds and gradually turned into a bush, defacing the Umuahia City Center.
The property was divided into two sections: one side developed into a mini estate, which raised concerns about its appropriateness for a city center location, and the other side featuring a small hall-like structure that did not utilize the land effectively.
During the previous administration, the Abia State House of Assembly, led by Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, passed two resolutions urging then-Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to revoke the CoO and repurpose the land. However, these resolutions were not implemented.
Recently, the Abia State Government officially revoked the CoO of the property, with plans underway to develop a multi-billion-naira terminal project on the site.
A source close to the owner of TradeMore, Engr. Emmanuel Mbaka, revealed that he is displeased with the decision and has been reaching out to influential figures in the state for a resolution.
There were rumors that Engr. Mbaka held the property in trust for the Ochendo family, but this development appears to disprove that narrative. No documents available to ALL FACTS NEWSPAPER indicate any partnership beyond the initial handing over of the land to TradeMore as investors.
A prominent Labour Party member from Ibeku, speaking anonymously, commented on the vindication of the Ochendo family, stating, “When I heard that the governor would release the KPMG financial report on Abia State, I expected to see members of the Ochendo family as prominent beneficiaries. I was surprised they were not mentioned, and this latest development with TradeMore further disproves the narrative against them.”
He added, “Otti is the best thing to happen to Abia State. He does what he believes is right for the people and does not bow to elite pressure. The decision to reclaim TradeMore Event Center is great, but the project must start immediately because Umuahia needs massive development.”
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