By Moses Okorie
The newly inaugurated chairman of Apo Urban Market in Abuja, Mr. Albert Iwuchukwu, popularly known as Alberto International, has promised traders in the market that his government will deliver on the campaign promises they made, and even perform better.
Speaking on behalf of all other elected officials, after their inauguration, at the market on Wednesday, Iwuchukwu appreciated all the traders for finding them worthy of their trust.
“Believe you me, we will not disappoint you. I want to thank God almighty for the privilege to be alive and to have a gathering like this. I am speaking on behalf of all the elected officials.
“And by the special grace of God, I want to promise every trader in this market; you’ve made history, and you’ve made your voices loud and clear.
“And those of us who are elected, it’s not because we are better than the others. We want to promise that we will deliver on the mandates which we promised you. We are not just going to deliver; we are going to even do more.
He thanked representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Service, National Association of Nigerian Traders, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Urban Shelter, Principal Facility Management Limited as well as other sister markets around Apo who came to grace the occasion.
“We will work with Principal Facility Management, Urban Shelter, the DSS, Police, the AEDC and every other stakeholder. And by this time next year, you will be proud you’ve visited here, because you are going to see a market that is dynamic and functional and growing” Alberto assured.
He also called on his fellow contestant to join hands with the new executive and bring out the good ideas they have for the benefit of the traders.
“It is an election. Just like we all agreed during the campaign and the oath-taking, election comes with two outcomes; either you win or you lose. But when you lose, it doesn’t mean that you are actually not good. It has to be that you didn’t play your politics well”.
The new executive members were elected on Saturday, March 28, 2026 during their maiden election held at the market premises after weeks of rigorous campaigns.
In his goodwill message, representative of Nigerian Police Force, DSP Stephen Yohanna said he appreciated the market’s management for the peaceful atmosphere as witnessed at the moment, and said police would continue to monitor them to ensure there is peace.
He said the police post building already constructed at the market can become functional with proper collaboration.
On his part, Mr. Adekunle from the DSS said he appreciated the leadership of the market and urged other markets to learn from Apo Urban Market Traders Association.
Other speakers also expressed confidence in the leadership capability of Albert Iwuchukwu and wished him and his team success as they pilot the affairs of the traders to greater heights.