Smooth Roads, Fresh Bites!*
Bad roads used to spoil my tomatoes, but now my plantains sell faster!
Mrs. Okafor on Isi Gate Street, Umuahia, cheers Governor Otti’s road fixes. Fresh produce, happier customers! 🌶️ #AbiaOnTheMove
Real people, real streets, real progress! Governor Otti’s plans are cooking up hope for Abia’s food vendors. 🔥🍴
Governor Alex Otti’s administration in Abia State has introduced several programs to support food vendors and small-scale traders, focusing on improving infrastructure, food security, and business conditions. Here’s how these efforts are impacting everyday food vendors on the streets of Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia, based on real initiatives and testimonials:
1. Better Roads Mean Faster Business
The government is fixing major roads like the 67.6km Umuahia-Ohafia Road and the 19.1km Itungwa-Mgboko-Amaise-Amairi-Omoba-Ahiaba-Nkwo-Elechi Road . These projects help food vendors transport goods faster and cheaper. For example, Mrs. Okafor, who sells roasted plantains near Isi Gate Street in Umuahia, says: “Before, bad roads made tomatoes and peppers spoil on the way. Now, fresh produce arrives early, and my customers are happier.”
2. Fighting Fake Products, Boosting Trust
Governor Otti is cracking down on fake food and drinks, especially in Aba’s Ariaria Market . Mr. Emeka, a bottled-water vendor on Aba-Owerri Road, shares: “People used to fear buying ‘Aba-made’ drinks. Now, the government checks quality, and my sales have doubled.” This initiative ensures vendors sell safe products, building customer confidence.
3. Free Farming Training and Tools
Through the “Every Home a Garden” program, the First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, trains women to grow vegetables at home . Mama Nkechi, a soup ingredient seller at Ohafia Main Market, explains: “I grow ugu and bitter leaf in my backyard. I save money and sell extra to my customers.” The government also provides free seeds and tools, helping vendors cut costs.
4. Food Palliatives for Low-Income Vendors
Over 1,000 women, including street food sellers, received rice and tomatoes through partnerships with the Renewed Hope Initiative . Mrs. Adaku, a rice seller at Umuahia’s Railway Market, says: “The palliatives helped me restock when prices rose. Now I can feed my family and keep my business running.”
5. Supporting Local “Made-in-Aba” Goods
The new Export Growth Lab in Aba, in partnership with the UNDP, trains artisans to improve product quality . Chidinma, who sells handmade snacks on Aba Road in Ohafia, notes: “They taught me better packaging. My chin-chin now looks professional, and I even supply small shops!” This program helps vendors compete with bigger businesses.
What’s Next?
These efforts are part of a larger plan to reduce Abia’s reliance on imported food and empower local businesses . While challenges like inflation remain, street vendors in Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia report easier access to affordable ingredients, safer products, and stronger customer trust. As Governor Otti often says: “When small businesses thrive, the whole economy grows.”
Dr Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke writes from Yakubu Gowon University Nigeria.
