A new shopping mall, Shoprite has been commissioned along Egbu Road in Owerri by the Governor of Imo State Owelle Rochas Okorocha; this aimed at beefing up economic activities of the city and create jobs for youths.
Addressing the Imo people at the occasion, Gov. Okorocha maintained that the establishment became necessary due to the collaboration between the government, the chairman Owerri mall development authority, Nze Herbert Chikwe and the management of Resilient Africa.
He noted that the state needed such a shopping mall to enable the people have a feel of what is obtainable in Europe, America, Asia etc. and enjoined people to patronize the shopping center.
Owelle Rochas Okorocha then donated a staff bus to the Resilient Africa.
Member representing Owerri Federal constituency in the National Assembly as well as chairman of the occasion, Chief Ezenwa Onyewuchi lauded Nze Herbert Chikwe for attracting the project into Owerri and then noted that Owerri has joined many countries in the world to have a world class mall, he gave a pat on the back of Resilient Africa for investing in Owerri and promised that he would give the necessary support and encouragement. He assured of the protection of the investments adding that it would have multiplier effect on the citizenry.
Speaking also the chairman of the Mall Development authority Nze Herbert Chikwe revealed that Imo has been queued into the national economic map of states witnessing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), adding that it would jump start Imo economy by providing avenues for entrepreneurs to showcase and market their products.
He told the people that the dream came 35 years ago when the contract for Owerri modern market was awarded to Somachi Investments by late Chief Sam Mbakwe, but noted that the journey has been arduous, tasking and challenging with obstacles aimed at frustrating it but in spite of the ups and downs his desires at creating employment for the youth s and make Owerri people have good life were not doused by the set backs.
Nze Chikwe further said that the incumbent Owelle administration gave support, encouragement and enabling environment for the realization of the project, and also adequate security. He gave kudos to other partners such as Resilient Africa, Somachi Investments Ltd. Terrestria Group, TidiLock group and others who played good roles in realizing the project.
In a brief chat with the MD Resilient group Mr. Jason Buhrs, he said the company would commence with food items, groceries and other usable items adding that the mall has 45 mall in Warri, while the Benin and Port Harcourt malls are in the making, adding that adequate security has been mounted to check stealing, pilfering and violence.