ASMATA, Qorban group end 3 weeks free medicare
By Chuks Okeke, Onitsha
Anambra State Amalgamated Traders' Association, ASMATA, and Qorban group, have ended their three weeks free medical treatment they embarked upon for traders in the state which commenced at Allied Workers Association Secretariat complex, Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area, and ended at Amalgamated Tyre Dealers' Association, ATDA, market hall, Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area.
Recall that the ASMATA President General, PG, Chief Humphrey Anuna, kicked off the commencement while the end was performed by the Patron of ASMATA and President general, PG of Building Materials International Market, Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, Chief Jude Nwankwo, alias 'Jollity'
Chief Humphrey Anuna, described the free medicare as a strategic move towards prioritizing the well-being of traders in the state, adding that by next year the exercise would not be limited to few markets for check up but be carried out in each market across the state.
The ASMATA PG disclosed that fund used for the exercise was part of the meagre per centage meant for ASMATA in her IGR realization adding that the aim was to assist traders in medical check up of their health status.
He stated that recognizing the pivotal role traders play in the economic fabric of Anambra State, the leadership acknowledged that the health and vitality of our traders are integral to the sustained prosperity of our trading.
He stressed the need for environmental neatness and commended the traders of ATDA led by Chief Charles Ikeli, for their efforts in up grading the market describing it as neatest and most peaceful.
"They also ensure 100 per cent IGR generation and I commend the entire market chairmen across the state for their cooperation as they joined the medical team to all the zones for the free medical exercise even as he paid glowing tribute to other market leaders like Dr Okechukwu Collins Oraka, former coordinator of the prayer group, Mr. Augustine Ezeama and incumbent prayer coordinator, Pastor Stephen Ogbueke".
Speaking while bringing the exercise to an end at the ATDA hall Nkpor, Chief Jude Nwankwo commended ASMATA PG and Qorban group for their efforts towards providing free medical treatment to traders across the state.
He stressed the need for all to be conscious of their health status adding that some people lost their lives due to lack of medical checkup.
Chief Nwankwo who is also the ASMATA patron, said, " The ASMATA free medical treatment has ended today after a three week checkup that started at Ekwulobia and I thank the ASMATA PG, Chief Humphrey Anuna, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Hon. Evarist Uba and Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for their efforts towards a successful free ASMATA medical checkup."
"I advise traders to always come out and check their health status. Governor Soludo has done well in the health sector, pregnant women and those on caesarian operation are now treated free off charge.
"We now have good road net work as all communities have benefitted and the youths are engaged in the one youth two skills initiative of the state government, teachers and medical personnel employed," he disclosed further.
In his own speech, the chairman of the market, Chief Charles Ikeli, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the medical exercise adding that Governor Soludo, ASMATA PG, Hon. Evarist Uba and others should be commended for their relentless efforts in making the exercise a success.
He described Governor Soludo as an achiever who has changed the face of the state adding that his achievements will speak for him come the 2025 gubernatorial election.
Also a chieftain, Dr. Okechukwu Collins Araka, commended the ASMATA PG and Governor Soludo for his efforts to better the welfare of the traders adding that he is a good friend of the ASMATA PG.
The chairman of Old/New Motorcycle Spare parts, Nkpor, Chief Stephen Onungene, expressed satisfaction with the medical exercise and praised the ASMATA PG, Hon. Evarist Uba and Gov. Soludo for their efforts to better the welfare of traders.
According to him governor Soludo has been able to develop the state infrastructural and as such would be voted for come the next election.
Pic shows Chief Nwankwo being medically examined during the exercise and closing