… Basan Community christens new market after CRS IFAD LIFE-ND…
The growth of any community is not only measured by the physical structures that but, most often, human capital development. This is always demonstrated through various human relationships like exchange of goods and services which are major indices for growth. For the people of Basan-Mbube in Ogoja LGA of Cross River State, Nigeria their progress in the commercial sphere was constrained and limited by their presumed impossibilities to bring to reality their desire needs.
Hence, September, 14th, 2024 marks a new chapter in the lives of the people as the seed sown by LIFE-ND Project facilitation processes snowball into the actualization of ownership of a market.
The already joyous people kick-started market operations as early as 6AM and proceedings were in top gear.
At the official launch, the State Project Coordinator, Mr. Innocent Ogbin while addressing the cross section of the Clan-heads from the thirteen clan councils, the council of chiefs, community leaders, invited guest from other communities, youths, women, stakeholders in the market and the IFAD LIFE-ND incubatees, commended the peaceful conduct of the people and the cooperation amongst them. ” I am honoured to stand before you today on this remarkable occasion of the official opening of our rural market which marks a significant milestone for our community, as it shall serve as a hub for agricultural commerce and a testament to the transformative power of collaboration.
The IFAD assisted Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises for the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project, not only facilitate markets creation but also, build livelihoods. This market will enhance food security, provide job opportunities, and open the door to financial independence for our women and youth.
Basan-Mbube community is highly blessed with agricultural produce and harnessing the vast agricultural potential of the area through marketing structures is a crucial step in that journey. This market is not just a place where goods will be bought and sold; it is a lifeline for local farmers, small businesses, and entrepreneur. It shall indeed be a platform to secure better incomes and reach wider markets”.
The State Project Coordinator, who was represented by the State Agribusiness Promotion Officer Mrs. Helen Effiom pointed out that, the market, alongside many other initiatives driven by the LIFE-ND Project, will help boost the local economy by increasing the income of the farmers and producers, thereby lifting many families out of poverty. “By empowering our youth and women with the skills and tools they need to succeed in agribusiness, we are creating a future of shared prosperity and growth”.
“When our incubatees decried about the issue of a market to sell their produce in the various value chains of the cassava commodity. We settled for partnership as this was the leeway towards achieving this goal. And today, we are officially launching and opening the market”.
Mrs. Helen Effiom, further added that though the idea was initiated in partnership with Cross River State Project Coordinating Office and the community, but that today, many people selling and buying varieties of commodities. Noting that, the ease of doing business and assurances of cash inflow is commendable.
On his part, the State Knowledge Management and Communication Officer, Mr. Christian F. Ekpor expresses his optimism in the capacity of the community to sustainably ensure the continuity of the market, noting that, the excitement among the market operators is the beginning of good things to come. “By your commitment, zeal, unity and cooperation the sky shall not be your limit. As we inaugurate this market, we are not only celebrating what we have achieved but also looking forward to what lies ahead. It is now up to the market operators, local farmers, traders, and the entire community to ensure the sustainability of this project. With proper management and dedication, this market will continue to serve as a pillar of growth for generations to come.”
“On behalf of the LIFE-ND Project, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the community for embracing this initiative, and I encourage you all to take full advantage of the opportunities this market provides. Together, we can continue to build a prosperous and thriving future for our region.” He concluded.
The Clan Head of Beje Clan and Village Head of Basan Mbube, His Royal Highness, Chief Michael Odok expressed great happiness over the new market describing the event as historic which he said will do a lot for the community. “We are very happy with this development. We are grateful to IFAD LIFE-ND and their developmental partners for this initiative that has seen the light of the day. We are taking this market very seriously and getting fully involved in it. We know that, with this market in place, the Local Government will also get involved. We are not shying away from our responsibilities which we owe our people. All hands must be on deck to push the positive narratives of this market to an enviable height”.
On her part, the Women Leader, Mrs. Cecilia Ishrim who spoke on behalf of the women could not contain her joy and that of other women. She appreciated IFAD LIFE-ND Project at the National and State maintaining that, the availability and nearness of a market makes life and domestic proceedings easy for which the women of Basan shall ever be grateful for.
Bernard Jeremiah, an incubatee and youth leader of the community assured the Project of a sustained security and safety of lives and properties of market women and participants in the market.
Speaking with a few traders, they openly thanked the Project for the market adding that life has been made easier with the opening of the market. They pointed out the difficulties they encounter in selling and buying commodities as they have to undertake ten kilometers to neighbouring community markets.
The highpoints of the event were the official opening of the market by the State Project Coordinator, christened – “CRS IFAD LIFE-ND Market, Basan Mbube”, interactions with buyers and sellers and photo sessions which climaxed with several renditions and displays by the women in appreciation of the new market.
