The sum of N400 million has been released to the contractor handling the construction of Sapele Market with a view to fast-tracking the completion of the market.

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, disclosed this on Tuesday when members of Association of Urhobo Traditional Rulers which is the umbrella body of government recognised traditional rulers from Delta Central Senatorial District paid him a visit at the Government House, Asaba.

Governor Okowa stated that allocation of the market stores would be based on preference to the original traders in the market who had stores that were destroyed for the reconstruction work to take place.

He assured the traders and concerned stakeholders of fairness and justice in the allocation of the stores, stating that he would ensure close monitoring of the construction process for speedy completion of the project.

“It is an EXCO decision that the original store owners will be the first to be allocated stores, while the rest will be by ballot, if this agreement is not adhered to, it will be unfair and unjust to these owners. We believe in fairness and we must adhere to it,” he said. He assured that “due process must be followed in allocating the stores.”

The governor also informed the traditional rulers that interviews for the empowerment programmes of his administration would commence next week and commended them for the roles they played during the collection and submission of forms by applicants for the programmes.

He stated that the programmes would last for six months and after six months, another batch of Deltans would be empowered, assuring that fairness, justice and equity would be the guiding principles of his administration.

Earlier, the Chairman of the traditional rulers HRM Ovie R. L. Ogbon, the Ogoni-Oghoro I, the Owhorode of Olomu Kingdom, said traditional rulers from Delta Central Senatorial district were happy that Governor Okowa has successfully assumed office.

“Let us use this opportunity to thank God Almighty and Your Excellency, for the appointments evenly made throughout the state, this is a pointer to your goal of prosperity for all Deltans,” he said.