By Princely Onyenwe | 9News Nigeria
The Traditional Ruler of Umuoma Nekede Autonomous Community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, His Royal Highness Eze Morrison Soronnadi James Eke (Omadike), formally unveiled the traditional revival of the historic Nkwonunuyo Market, Saturday dated 11-7-2026AD, as the Umuoma People’s Assembly (UPA) flagged off a fundraising campaign for its reconstruction and redevelopment.
The ceremony, held at the market square in Umuoma Nekede, attracted a large crowd of traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders, clergy, youth and women groups, donors and residents from across Nekede and neighbouring communities.
The event commenced with an opening prayer led by Elder Comrade Levi Azuike before the traditional rites were performed by the market custodian, Elder Popular Uzoma, the Eze Ahia of Nkwonunuyo Market. Standing beneath the historic Ogoloshi tree at the centre of the market, he offered traditional prayers for the restoration, prosperity and peaceful growth of the ancient market.
In a similar ceremony, HRH Eze Morrison Soronnadi James Eke presented kola nut (Oji Igbo) and traditional libation in accordance with Igbo customs, invoking the blessings of the ancestors and praying for the successful revival of the market as a centre of commerce and community development.
Addressing the gathering, the monarch described Nkwonunuyo as one of the oldest commercial centres in Nekede, lamenting its years of neglect and inactivity. He appealed to sons and daughters of Umuoma, both at home and in the diaspora, to unite in rebuilding the market.
According to him, markets remain the backbone of rural economies by creating employment, encouraging agricultural trade, supporting transportation, storage, financial services and strengthening social and commercial relationships. He particularly urged women and youths to actively participate in the reconstruction project.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Omenneji Emmanuel, presented the committee’s vision for a modern market equipped with facilities capable of meeting present-day commercial needs and stimulating local economic growth.
President-General of the Umuoma People’s Assembly, Chief Okechukwu Opara (Dikeoha), reaffirmed the commitment of the community leadership to delivering the project. He called on every family across the five villages of Umuoma to contribute financially and materially towards the successful completion of the market.
Chief Opara expressed confidence that with the collective support of the people, friends and well-wishers, Nkwonunuyo Market would regain its position as one of the leading commercial centres in the area. He also commended the planning committee for successfully organizing the fundraising event.
Speaking during the ceremony, Chairman of the Market Reconstruction and Fundraising Committee, Mr Ugo Obilonu (Ugo Dubai), disclosed that historical records identify the market’s original name as Nkwo Nekede, describing it as a major economic hub that served several neighbouring communities before its decline.
In an interview with 9News Nigeria, community elder Mr. Okechukwu Opara of Okwu Umuoma narrated that the market was once popularly known as “Nkwo Agbara Aka Ahu Ego” because of its commercial strength and the volume of trade conducted there. He explained that traders from Ohaji, Mbaise, Ngor Okpala, Isu and other neighbouring communities regularly patronised the market, where agricultural produce including yam, garri, fish, goats and other farm products were traded in large quantities.
He further stated that the Uzoma family of Umudoche Umuoma has historically remained the custodians of the market through the office of the Eze Ahia, tracing the lineage from the founding ancestors to the present holder of the traditional title, Elder Gospower Uzoma. He expressed optimism that the current UPA leadership would restore the market to its former glory.
Community Public Relations Officer, Princely Onyenwe, stressed that the reconstruction project presents an opportunity for collaboration with the Imo State Government, development agencies and private investors. He recommended that the new market should include modern infrastructure such as warehouses, cold rooms, storage facilities, an abattoir, adequate parking spaces and other amenities capable of supporting agricultural processing, storage and commercial activities.
The fundraising segment of the event witnessed generous donations from prominent sons and daughters of the community. The Majority Leader and Leader of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kanayo Onyemaechi, donated ₦500,000 towards the project and additionally presented ₦50,000 to the Umuoma women in appreciation of their support.
Other donors included Nekede Ward Councillor Ugochukwu Victor Olekibe, ZLP Federal House candidate for Owerri Federal constituency Hon. Nnadozie Chikezie- dolled out one million N(1m) Naira, Hon. Chinedu Ejiogu, Hon. Ugochukwu Duru, Hon. Chima Okoro, Bishop Ibeh, Chief Douglas Eke (USA), Eze Omadike, town union executives, youth leaders, APC Ward 7 Chairman Odogwu Nanas and several other individuals and groups.
Community leaders appealed to the Imo State Government, the Owerri West Local Government Council and development partners to partner with the Umuoma People’s Assembly in rebuilding the historic Nkwonunuyo Market.
In conclusion, Eze Morrison Eke PhD noted that restoring the market would not only preserve an important cultural heritage but also stimulate rural commerce, create employment opportunities, expand agricultural value chains, improve internally generated economic activities and strengthen the local economy across Owerri West and neighbouring communities.
The leaders expressed optimism that with sustained community participation, government intervention and private sector investment, Nkwonunuyo Market would once again reclaim its historic position as one of the leading commercial centres in Imo State, serving as a catalyst for grassroots economic growth and sustainable development while looking up to receiving more donations from Umuoma illustrious sons and daughters across the world.
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