Aba South Council Area in Abia State is gearing up for the reconstruction of the iconic Aba town hall and the chairman’s office, both of which were ravaged during the 2020 EndSARS protest.
Speaking to journalists at his office, Mayor of Aba South, Chief Uche Wogu, announced that the rebuilding of the burnt structures is scheduled to commence in March.
Highlighting the significance of the Aba town hall, Wogu emphasized its historical importance to the indigenous people of Aba, expressing confidence that the hall will soon undergo a remarkable transformation.
Vanguard quoted the Mayor as saying, “We know the importance of the popular Aba town hall to the people of Aba. The Aba town hall, the chairman’s office and other structures were burnt during the EndSARS protest in 2020. I want to assure you that the Aba town hall will wear a new look by the end of March 2024. All arrangements have been set for work to commence at the building. We will soon start the process of rebuilding and regenerating the town hall because it holds a historical place in the heart of the Aba man.”
Wogu further revealed that Governor Alex Otti has given his approval for the reconstruction project, underscoring the commitment of the government to restore the town hall to its former glory.
“Historically, the elephant structure at the town hall signifies ‘Okporo enyi’, (Elephant’s route). It is the route that the founders of Aba used in coming into Aba. The place you have the town hall was a meeting place for Aba people in those days. The first settlement of the Aba people was around the place we call NEPA office. The market was located at the place we now call Bata. When the settlement started growing and coming closer, the white people relocated the market to the Ekeoha market. So, you can see that the Aba town hall has a significant place in the history of Aba.
“It occupies an important and historical place in the heart of the Aba man. It is unfortunate that the town hall was burnt during the EndSARS protest in 2020. Aba fell in 2020,but like every fallen empire, we have started rebuilding Aba. Graciously, Governor Alex Otti has approved the rebuilding of the Aba town hall. It is not a political promise, Governor Otti’s administration is promise one. Aba town hall will be rebuilt. Aba is a model city, everything has to be done according to the master plan of the city. Take a look at the level of work the Governor is doing in Aba.”
Addressing the issue of street trading and illegal motor parks, the Mayor reiterated the government’s stance on enforcing regulations and urged traders and operators to relocate to designated markets and approved motor parks.
With plans underway for the revitalization of Aba, including efforts to combat street trading and improve infrastructure, the council aims to uphold the city’s legacy while ushering in a new era of progress and development.
