Labour Party candidate for Owerri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has pledged to prioritise the modernisation and rehabilitation of selected markets in the constituency if elected.
Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu, in a statement to mark the 2026 World Cleanup Day, identified Orie Obibi Market in Owerri North, Nkwo Ukwu Ihiagwa Market in Owerri West and Relief Market in Owerri Municipal as markets requiring attention.
She said the proposed interventions would go beyond the construction of physical structures to include improved drainage and sewage systems, waste-management infrastructure, sanitation facilities, safer trading environments and better access for traders and consumers.
The former Ondo State First Lady said the initiative was part of her broader vision of promoting cleaner, healthier and more dignified communities across Owerri Federal Constituency.
According to her, markets are not merely centres for buying and selling but important economic spaces where thousands of residents, particularly women, earn their livelihoods.
“Modernising our markets must therefore be part of the conversation about a cleaner Owerri,” she said, adding that the proposed projects would be developed in consultation with market associations, traders, local authorities and other relevant stakeholders.
Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu also called for a shift from occasional environmental clean-up exercises to sustainable waste-management systems, including regular waste collection, appropriate disposal facilities, functional drainage, public toilets and enforcement of sanitation regulations.
She urged residents to complement government efforts by avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse in streets, gutters and waterways.
The candidate further emphasised the need to improve the working conditions of women traders, saying a woman who spends her day trading to support her family deserves to work in a safe, clean and dignified environment.
“ You matter. Your work matters. Your dignity matters,” she said, adding that improving the conditions under which women work would benefit their families and the wider community.
She said the theme of the 2026 World Cleanup Day, “From Clean Plates to Clean Cities,” should serve as a reminder that environmental cleanliness requires sustained action rather than one-day clean-up activities.
Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu said a cleaner Owerri would require collective responsibility from government, residents, traders and businesses, stressing that a clean environment was essential to public health, human dignity and quality of life.
She described the provision of environmental infrastructure as a responsibility that government must fulfil while urging citizens to take greater responsibility for keeping their communities clean.
