Business
Mile One Market Traders Get Ultimatum On Shops Occupation
Allottees of stores at the Rumuwoji Mile One Market have been given up to the end of this month to put their stores to effective use or risk losing them.
Chairman of the Mile One Market Traders Association, Port Harcourt, Chief Young Obene Clarke Georgewill disclosed this in an exclusive interview with The Tide in Port Harcourt.
Georgewill said his association would not condone the situation where allottees make their stores warehouses or lock-up stores from where they move their goods to other markets to sell.
To ensure effective occupation and utilization of the stores for trading, the market leader said that his association was already negotiating with banks for loans to traders without collaterals, except original certificate of shop allocation.
He said the banks have shown willingness to assist the traders
Georgewill denied speculations that most of the stores were yet to be occupied because initial allottees were demanding exorbitant rents from those to whom they want to re-allot the stores.
Arguing that it was a natural tendency for anybody in financial distress to sell his/her possession to solve immediate problem, he said he did not believe that any allottee would want to rent out his/her store so early.
He commended the state government for the commitment and transparency displayed in the completion and allocation of the stores to original stall owners at the market.
Georgewill also commended the Rumuwoji community for allowing traders, who were displaced when the old Rumuwoji market was burnt down, to use their community playground as temporary market.
Pointing out that traders have vacated the Rumuwoji Community playground, Georgewill explained that those still trading around the temporary market were youth of the community who were yet to acquire stores in the re-built market.
Meanwhile, some traders at the newly-commissioned Rumuwoji market have alleged that allottees of the stores were demanding exorbitant fees for renting the stores.
This, they said, had made it difficult for traders to occupy most of the stores.
Chief Chinaka Robert, a rice merchant told The Tide that traders in the market remain grateful to government for ensuring that almost all the traders at the market before it was razed by fire, were allocated stores and given the consideration to pay for them in two installments.
He regretted however, that many of the allottees had placed high price-tags on the stores, for renting them out, therefore frustrating government’s intention to make the market fully functional.
Another trader, Mrs. Christiana Daka who also spoke to our reporter explained that some allottees were demanding between N7,000 and N10,000 a month for small shops and between N15,000 and N25,000 monthly for front shops.
This, she said has led to the low capacity utilization of the market.
It was gathered that the state government had allocated the shops for about N220,000 for ground floor, N160,000 for first floor and N130,000 for second floor. The payments were to be completed in two installments.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic
Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.
In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.
Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.
He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.
Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”
Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.
Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.
He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries
He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.