Polycarp Sola-Abakaliki
The ultra-modern shopping mall newly constructed by the Ebonyi State government has been opened for business.
The recently opened mall has reportedly generated 300 jobs for youths in the state with many investors scampering for opportunities of operating in it.
Managing director of 3rd Retail Africa, Eze Igwe, disclosed this to journalists during a press briefing at the mall on Monday.
3rd Retail Africa is one of the leading investors in the mall.
The manager called on all residents of the state to do their Christmas shopping at the mall and pledged goods and services at affordable prices.
The mall consists of a cinema, fitness center, penthouse, pharmacy, lounges, food courts, and pastry section among others.
Igwe said, “We are proud to announce that one of Nigeria’s biggest retail brands, Everyday Supermarket is the anchor tenant in the Mall and is finally ready to open its doors and give the teeming consumers of Ebonyi State and environs an exciting shopping.
“The Biggest achievement of this investment made by the Administration of His Excellency the state governor is the socio-economic impact on the State. As we speak, the mall has already generated 300 jobs and counting. At full capacity, this Mall will have over 2000 direct workforce with the benefits of income and wealth creation which will have a significant multiplier effect on the economy of the State. There will be growth in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and an increase in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Ebonyi State.
“This Mall is positioned to be the best investment destination in the South of Nigeria and will play a major role in poverty reduction in the State.
“We have witnessed an amazing social transformation in Ebonyi State in the past couple of years and the consumption index has increased significantly. These are visible features of a cosmopolitan city and clear indicators of a rapidly growing emerging economy. We are confident that Returns on Investment to the State will exceed expectations even in the medium Term.
“As part of the year-end activities, we are putting together a food, drink, dance, and shopping carnival that will run between Monday, December 12, and Sunday 18, December 2022. This event will be as entertaining as it is rewarding for consumers and businesses at the Mall.”