BY WARISO WARISO.
The Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, has on Friday JULY 11,2025, Commissioned an ultra modern international market at IBAA Community, in Emouha Local Government Area of Rivers state.
The international market comprises a storey building, housing 20 Lock -up shops, 126 open stalls, a modern toilet facility, a 12,000-gallon potable water tank, 2 office rooms, and fenced with a security gate.
Earlier in his speech, the Rivers State Representative on the NDDC Board, Chief Sir Tony Okocha thanked Ibaa Community for their cooperation with the contractor handling the building project, which, according to Okocha facilitated and contributed to the timely completion of the project.
He noted that the landmark development of the Ibaa Community by the NDDC is aimed at improving local commerce and uplift economic activities in Ibas and its environs.
Chief Okocha who was accompanied by his wife, Dame Ogechi Okocha, expressed satisfaction with the contractor for executing a quality job.
According to the Rivers NDDC Representative, the Ibaa ultramodern market was inspired by a visit he made to the community, last year, 2024, where he said, was moved with compassion after witnessing women trading in what he described as ” makeshift, shrine -like stalls” adding that it was that experience that ignited a personal resolve to ensure the construction of a befitting market for Ibaa Community.
Chief Okocha also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting the NDDC Board members with the opportunity to serve the people of the region, while thanking the Chairman of the NDDC Board, Barr. Chiedu Ebie and the Managing Director, Chief Samuel Ogboku, as well as the 7th Governing Board for their collective commitment to making the project a reality.
Commissioning the Ibaa ultramodern market, the Delta State Representative on the NDDC Board, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya, described the project as the best of its kind and urged Ibaa Community to maintain and utilize it effectively.
In his address, Paramount Ruler of Ibaa/ Obelle Community HRH, Eze Jonah Wobo, expressed gratitude to Hon . Tony Okocha for bringing an ultramodern market to Ibaa Community.
Chief John Wokoma who read the welcome address on behalf of Eze Sunday Jonah Wobo, said that the project is a beacon of hope, pointing out that the market would support and enhance peace in the community.
In their separate speeches, Representative of Ibaa youths, women and the student union leaders in the area expressed gratitude to Tony Okocha for bringing development to Ibaa Community,
High point of the event was presentation of of an award of excellence by the student union president in the area to the Rivers State Representative on the NDDC Board Hon . Tony Okocha in recognition of his commitment to community development.
