IMSG Inaugurates Comprehensive Forensic Audit for 157 Imo Markets

By Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, September 13, 2024

The Imo State Government on Friday inaugurated and flagged off a comprehensive forensic audit of all 157 markets in the state. The Commissioner of the State Ministry of Trade, Commerce, and Investment, Hon. Barr. Rex Anunobi (Sokom), performed the inauguration and flag-off ceremony on behalf of the state government.

While inaugurating the exercise at the Naze Timber and Allied Market, Hon. Anunobi stated that the government’s resolve is to ensure the integrity and efficiency of the market systems. He emphasized that the audit will scrutinize all aspects of market operations, identify areas of weakness, and uncover any fraudulent activities. “government’s resolve to ensure the integrity and efficiency of our market systems” stressing that “the audit will scrutinize all aspects of market operations, identifying areas of weakness and uncovering any fraudulent activities”.

The commissioner explained that the ministry aims to digitalize and restore confidence in the market system, protect investors, and promote a fair level playing ground for all participants and development partners in the market ecosystem. He informed the market community that the ministry has engaged AMANDA Group, a development partner, to computerize all markets for effective service delivery.

The commissioner charged the audit team to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation while leaving no stone unturned “and follow the evidence of wherever it may lead”.

Prince Obinna Obiekweihe, the MD of AMANDA Group, explained that one of the significant gains of the forensic audit is data capturing, which will aid the government and other relevant agencies in planning for the market in case of any intervention.

Chukwurah Onuoha, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Market who is also a trader at the market, noted that the forensic audit is about enumerating traders and stores, emphasizing that the lack of adequate information and data on traders has created a gap between the government and traders.

Comrade Okoro Nkwo Anthony, President of Owerri Building Materials Association, expressed excitement about the exercise and assured cooperation from the market leaders.

The high point of the flag-off was the presentation of data capturing forms by the commissioner, which will be used in carrying out the exercise. The commissioner was accompanied by top government officials and management staff from his ministry.

The commissioner was accompanied by top government officials and all the management staff of his ministry, including; Dr. Ethelbert Okere — D.G. Imo Orientation Agency, Chief Adolph Anokwute — Special Adviser Market Development, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu — Senior Special Assistant on Electronic and Creative Media, Chief Isreal Michael — Market Master, Comrade Sir. Basil Iwu — Ag. Permanent Secretary ministry of trade, Commerce and investment, Mrs. Ezeala Antonia (Ph.D) — Director Commerce, Orji Ebere — director cooperative, Ogwunga J. U. —Director Account, chief Chief Steve Chidi Agbanwe — Technical Adviser to the honorable commissioner, Mrs Jane Ogbonna —Director Produce, Madu Joseph Uche — C01, Anosike Chijioke —SCO1, Egbeluhu Jownna — COM1, Iriele Anurika — 01 and Onyekwere Constance — C01.

On the market leadership; representatives of the leaders were present including: Comrade Okoronkwo Anthony — President of Owerri Building Materials Association, Prince Chijioke Ogbona — Vice president OTTA, Comrade Kenneth Ohaegbulam— General Secretary OTTA, Mr. Abalanne Chukwuemzo — President Carpenter Section, Cyril Okwunwu —Secretary Carpenter Section, DCN Anyanwu Joseph, Ndubuisi Onyegiri, Christian Ohamere, Saviour C. Esomonu and Anyanwu Chibueze.

— Ambrose Nwaogwugwu is the Senior Special Assistant to Imo State Governor on Electronic and Creative Media.