The National Association of Traders and Market Leaders of Nigeria (NATMAL) has pledged unreserved loyalty to the leadership of Omu Anioma and all other Omus in the Anioma Region , as custodians of the market.
The Market Leaders from various states in Nigeria, who were led by their National President, Hon Chief Mrs. Chinwe Monu-Olarewaju on a courtesy visit to the Palace of Omu Anioma in Okpanam community of Oshimili North LGA, Delta State, on Wednesday 23rd November, 2022, said the Omu is not only unique but key in the affairs of the market within the Anioma extraction of Nigeria.
The National President of the Association, who was a former Oshimili South Local Government Chairman, House of Assembly member and Commissioner for Commerce, was brief but direct while making her 6-point agenda – on repositioning of the Association of Traders and Market Leaders of Nigeria – known to Omu Anioma.
L-R Member of the Board of Trustee, NATMAL, Prince David Iweta; Omu Obi Martha Dunkwu; NATMAL National President Hon. Chief Mrs Chinwe Monu-Olarewaju
Hon. Olarewaju posited that she has decided to upgrade the market into e-commerce by digitising trading in Nigeria to meet global standards of doing business. This she made known while presenting the certificate of incorporation of the Association with CAC and briefing on the subsequent registration with the European Union.
“We can’t embark on all of these policy agenda without recognising the place of Omu Anioma in the system of market and as a juggernaut in the organised private sector. We know your capacity as a leader in the Chamber Movement in line with your impeccable achievements in corporate business and consultancy.
“As an Omu, we have come, being carefully mindful of your role in market leadership. Your place as far as market is concerned, is very unique and powerful. It is not like that in other places, and so, I have come with the Executive members of the council to appreciate this unique system of administering the market in Anioma,” Hon. Olarewaju maintained.
A group photo with some of the Omus in Anioma
“We want to engender leadership in our time. We want to make a difference. But we have to learn and follow laid down procedures in order to do it better. However, we cannot go into the market here without the permission of the Omu. That’s why we are here, and I have no doubt in me that these galaxy of men and women will leave here today better informed and spurred to work harder. Thank you Your Majesty for this unique audience to listen to us and give us your blessing, we count it a privileged honour,” she added.
A member of the Board of Trustees of NATMAL, Prince David Iweta also eulogized Omu Dunkwu for being a woman of power and authority.
According to him, before Omu Dunkwu ascended the throne of Omu, she was a very dynamic mother with beauty and brain, adding that she turned the chamber movement around in her days as a leader.
In response, Obi Martha Dunkwu said she was indeed very proud of Hon. Olarewaju and Prince Iweta and can never take them for granted.
She specifically described Olarewaju as a woman of capacity, saying it was a great honour for NATMAL to choose an Anioma daughter who is intellectually savvy and resilient to lead the body.
She congratulated Olarewaju for the registration of the Association with the Corporate Affairs Commission, adding that the group has got credible identity to take with them wherever they go to.
However, she promised to give them all necessary support and assistance to enable them operate seamlessly in the market going forward.
Moreover, she commended the National Secretary of the Association, Alhaji Idowu Alonge for the cordial synergy between him and the National President, and his dedication to the course of the Association, advising both to keep it at that in the interest of unity and progress of the Association at all levels.
Other Omus who were at the courtesy visit include; HRH Omu Lobe Nokwaba (Omu of Ukala), HRH Omu Barr. Queensly Uzoka (Omu of Obomkpa) and Ochendo Omu Edith Rafua (Omu of Ogwashi-Uku).
