By Juliana Nwachukwu :
No fewy than 80 traders at Onitsha Main Market, Anambra State were declared winners of the Otunkwo Cooperative Society Federal Mortgage Bank Housing Estate phase 1 project.
The raffle draw, which took place on April 19 in front of the market White House, Onitsha Main Market was executed by officials of the Federal Mortgage Bank represented by Chris Ibuzo , Zonal Manager Enugu, Chigozie Francis Okonkwo , Awka Manager, Ngozi Agbo, WEMA Bank while Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Chief Innocent Ezeoha, represented the Otunkwo Cooperative Society (Traders).
Addressing the gathering before the draw, the market chairman, Chief Ezeoha hinted that the raffle draw would give traders the opportunity to own houses with token and advised all to key into the system.
He expressed satisfaction that the project has been extended to all, adding that ab initio, it was seen as meant only for civil servants.
“Today, it is a reality that 80 people have won and they will extend it because more than 10,000 people are in the market. People who don’t have houses will through this project have their own houses,” he assured.
Earlier, the event facilitator, Chief Chuks Modebe, said that it was believed to be civil servants’ project, adding that all could be beneficiaries now as it is meant to better the lives of the people.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to Gov. Charles Soludo on Housing, Mr. Ernie Onwumere, said that the project was mainly for those in the National Housing Scheme Fund, (civil servants), but for more people to benefit, it is extended to those on informal sector of the economy.
Expressing satisfaction, one of the winners, Mr. Daniel Nwafor thanked God for being one of the lucky winners, advising those who have not keyed into the project to key up.
The information offiçer reports from Onitsha North LGA