In line with her evidence-based approach to governance, the Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Dame Anengi Barasua has effectively moved traders at the Bonny Main Market to the new location, the Bonny Ultra-Modern Market built for them by the Edward Pepple administration and recently upgraded by the David Irimagha government.

She did not only see to the completion of the remodeling and upgrading efforts started by her erstwhile but demised boss but added her own touch of class to make the place conducive for the traders and has continued to visit and ask what more can be done for them.

To commission the place, she pulled down the who-is-who in her party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) including its effervescent leader in Bonny LGA, Rodaford Longjohn, to the market and later issued a 14-day ultimatum for the traders to “move or be moved”. They complied and today not only are the traders doing their business in a more conducive atmosphere but the purchasing public now have their confidence hyped as they feel more attuned to go shopping there.

Aside these, the previously lonely King Asimini Bypass (Berger Road) has now become a beehive of activities as it now has increased traffic and more patronage for the commercial motorcyclists and other transporters plying that route.

Additionally, staff of the NLNG water facility, Bonny Youth Federation Secretariat, Bonny Fire Station, Primary Healthcare Centre, Youth Resource Centre (YRC) and other institutions or organizations located in that axis now have where to go and purchase whatever they need while at work, unlike previously when they had to go long distances to buy what they need.

Then came Thursday, December 8, 2022, the Bonny LGA Chairman was at the market again with her retinue of aides to not just identify with but fully participate in a special prayer session for the dedication of the Bonny Ultra-Modern Market Complex after their relocation from the old market.

Her surprise presence, which her Media aide, Boma Waribor said in a statement was “in line with her commitment to the progress of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) and connection with people at the grassroots” stunned not a few traders at the market.

According to the statement, she utilised the opportunity to commend the traders for their patience during the post commissioning era, charging them to take the issues of sanitation, cooperation with constituted authority, and abstinence from sharp practices like shop racketeering seriously, while showering commendations on the Fact-Finding Committee earlier put in place to manage the relocation protocols.

The statement further disclosed that both the Fact-Finding Committee Chairman, Amaopusenibo Joel Tolofari and the Chairman of the Market Union, Wari-Opusenibo David Pollyn were full of gratitude on behalf of their teams for the opportunity to serve and for the goodwill of the Local Government towards the market people.

Highlight of the event was the distribution of free waste bins to the traders to improve the waste management behaviour in the market.

Many close watchers of the Anengi Barasua administration posit that with the strides she has achieved so far, more is bound to unfold soon, especially, given her surprise approach wherein she works quietly and delivers publicly.

Close scrutiny of the projects she has so far embarked upon or closed out on indicate a meticulous attention to development indices, regulatory compliance, sustainability considerations and best practices infusion.

These analysts opine that these can only be the outcome of serious and informed brainstorming sessions between her and her team, which assert must be populated by sound minds.