By O’yigho Dugbe
The women of Otor-Iwhreko market in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State expressed their dismay yesterday over the intended proposal by Ughelli North Council Chairman, Hon. Jaro Omovudu Egbo, to raise the annual rent for lock-up stores from six thousand naira to forty-eight thousand naira.
In a statement issued by Mr. Johwo Olotu, Mrs. Florence Ighogboja, Omote Kugbo Onoboke (representing the Food Stuff market), and market Chairladies, Mrs. Evelyn Ogheneovo and Mrs. Roseline Akpomiemie (representing the Goods market) and shared with the press, the women firmly opposed the substantial increase.
The women appealed to Chairman Hon. Jaro Egbo to reconsider the rent for lock-up stores and lower it to twelve thousand naira annually. They highlighted that their counterparts in Igbudu, Warri main market, Agbarho, and other areas pay between five and six thousand naira yearly, questioning why the Ughelli market rent should be significantly higher.
The market women’s leadership emphasized that the proposed rent for Ughelli main market stores far exceeds that of other markets both within and outside Ughelli North.
They reiterated their stance that they cannot afford the alleged forty-eight thousand naira proposed by the council chairman.
The women stated that they have approached the council chairman three times, both at his office and home, to discuss the matter.
They maintained that their offer to pay twelve thousand naira annually remains unchanged, highlighting that no previous council chairman has ever suggested such a 100% increment.
During our recent visit to his country home, he inquired about the amount we were willing to pay. We mentioned that we would strive to persuade our constituents to agree to a yearly payment of twelve thousand naira.
His response was one of frustration as he clarified that the decision to increase the fee came from higher authorities, not from his personal discretion. This led to a tense exchange, prompting us to leave the premises in a state of displeasure.
We continue to implore the council chairman, Honorable Jaro Egbo, to consider accepting the proposed yearly payment of twelve thousand naira.
While we acknowledge that even this amount places a significant financial burden on us, we persist in our appeal. Should he remain steadfast in demanding forty-eight thousand naira, we find ourselves in a difficult position with limited options but are hopeful that a compromise can be reached.
