NARA DIASPORA MAKES BOLD HOMECOMING STATEMENT WITH ₦350M ORIE NARA MARKET MODERNISATION
_...SSA to Governor, Hon. Dr. Chinedu Mbah , Performs Foundation Laying for the Landmark Community Project_
The ancient Orie Nara Market in Nara Unataeze, Enugu State, on Saturday, August 29, 2026, witnessed a major development milestone as the Nara Na Uzo Ije Cultural Association, popularly known as Nara in Diaspora, officially flagged off and performed the block-laying ceremony for the rehabilitation of the market, a multimillion-naira project designed to modernise the facility, improve trading conditions and stimulate economic activities in the community.
The ceremony, held at the Orie Nara Market Square, brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, market stakeholders, traders, members of the association and other distinguished guests from the four autonomous communities that make up Nara Clan—Umuiba Nara Unataeze, Umuawalagu Nara Unataeze, Amofia Amegu Nara Unataeze and Ishiogbo Nara Unataeze.
The project, valued at over ₦350 million, is expected to transform the more than 70-year-old market through interlocking works, solar-powered lighting and other infrastructure aimed at giving the historic market a modern outlook while preserving its economic importance to the community.
The event opened with prayers conducted by the former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Emmanuel Ositadinma Edeh, who prayed for the success of the project and the continued progress of Nara Unataeze.
Speaking briefly, Rev. Edeh declared: “Good things have started coming to Nara, and they will continue.” He commended the initiative and prayed for peace, unity and prosperity among the people.
The Chairman of the Nara Na Uzo Ije Cultural Association, Chief Emeka Chukwu, participated virtually, while the Director of the Association, Chief Mike Ani, represented him physically at the ceremony. The General Secretary, Engr. Benjamin Nwobodo, also joined other leaders in celebrating what was described as a historic demonstration of unity among Nara sons and daughters living abroad.
In his virtual address, Chief Chukwu expressed appreciation to the Enugu State Government and Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for creating an environment conducive to community development.
He promised that the association would continue to bring more development projects home, while calling on the people to sustain peace, unity and the spirit of brotherhood that made the market rehabilitation project possible.
According to the association, the decision to embark on the project was inspired by the desire of Nara sons and daughters in the diaspora to contribute directly to the development of their ancestral home and complement the ongoing development efforts of the Enugu State Government.
The association also commended Governor Mbah's development strides, particularly in security and infrastructure, which it said had strengthened confidence among citizens in the diaspora to return home and invest in community development.
Representing Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah at the occasion, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Market Liaison, Hon. Dr. Chinedu Mbah (Dike Eji Eje Mbah, Na Enugu State), brought greetings from the Governor and performed the foundation-laying ceremony on behalf of the State Government.
Dr. Mbah commended the Nara Na Uzo Ije Cultural Association for undertaking what he described as a significant contribution to community development.
He said the Governor was pleased with the initiative and called on other communities and associations to emulate the example by pooling their resources together to develop local infrastructure.
“The government cannot do it alone. If our people from different communities can come together and develop their local markets, schools and other facilities, it will complement what the government is already doing.”
He explained that Governor Mbah's administration had deliberately created an enabling environment for citizens, including those in the diaspora, to return home and contribute meaningfully to development.
According to him, the administration's achievements in security and infrastructure had strengthened the confidence of communities to embark on major development projects.
Dr. Mbah noted that Nara Unataeze had also benefited from the Governor's administration through several projects, including the construction of the Nara–Mburubu–Nome Road, rehabilitation of the Ndiaguede–Ishiogbo Road with double drainage, the construction of two Smart Green Schools in Nara Wards I and II, and completed Type-C Primary Healthcare Centres in Nara Wards I and II.
He further highlighted ongoing electrification projects across the villages in Nara and the inclusion of Nara sons and daughters in the administration through various political appointments, describing himself as one of the beneficiaries.
He said the combination of these interventions had demonstrated that Governor Mbah had a special commitment to the development and wellbeing of Nara Unataeze.
“The Governor has proven that Nara is his own. Nara has benefited from his administration in different sectors, and the people have every reason to appreciate these gestures.”
Dr. Mbah urged the people of Nara Unataeze to continue supporting the administration, adding that the 2027 election would provide an opportunity for the community to reciprocate the Governor's development efforts.
“Come 2027, Nara's vote is for Governor Peter Mbah. We will give him all the support he needs because he has shown through his actions that Nara is part of his development vision.”
The traditional institution was represented by HRH Igwe Ifeanyi Ogbu, Odenigbo II of Nara Unataeze, while HRH Igwe Abel Nwobodo was represented by High Chief Emmanuel Edeani, President-General of Umuawalagu.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, Igwe Ifeanyi Ogbu thanked the association for embarking on the project, describing it as a worthy gesture that would benefit generations of Nara people.
He prayed for the association members and their families, asking God to reward them abundantly and grant them the resources and strength to undertake even more projects for their community.
The traditional rulers and community leaders present also commended the association for demonstrating that unity among people at home and abroad could produce tangible development.
The project was widely described by speakers as a first-of-its-kind initiative in Nara, particularly because sons and daughters from the four autonomous communities came together from different parts of the world to finance and execute a common development project.
The rehabilitation of Orie Nara Market is expected to improve the physical environment of the historic trading centre, enhance commercial activities, provide better facilities for traders and strengthen the market's role in the local economy.
The occasion therefore became more than a mere groundbreaking ceremony, as it showcased the growing partnership between government and citizens in driving grassroots development.
For the people of Nara Unataeze, the flag-off represented a new chapter for an ancient market, while for the Nara Na Uzo Ije Cultural Association, it marked a practical demonstration of its commitment to giving back to the community and sustaining peace, unity and collective development.
The ceremony ended with the formal foundation/block laying for the rehabilitation project, amid renewed calls for continued unity among Nara sons and daughters and stronger collaboration between the community, the diaspora and the Enugu State Government.
_FOUNTAINCARE MEDIA_
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