Shoprite, a leading player in retail marketing has expanded its outlet to Akwa Ibom State with the laying of the foundation of a shopping mall complex at the Ibom Tropicana entertainment centre in Uyo, the state capital.
Holland Marshall, director, resilient Africa said full commercial operations would commence as soon as the construction of the “standard edifice” that would serve as the shopping mall was completed adding that Shoprite would start its retail business within 18 months in the state.
Expressing optimism over a favourable business relationship with the state government and the host community, Marshall pledged to bring quality service which he said the company is known for over the years to bear on its operations in the state.
Performing the groundbreaking, Governor Udom Emmanuel lauded the shopping conglomerate for establishing a shopping mall in the state saying it underscored the industrial drive of his administration.
According to the governor, the entry to the growing retail marketing in Akwa Ibom State would further strengthen investors’ confidence in the local economy, create jobs and serve as a big boost to entrepreneurship development.
Earlier, Emmanuel Enoidem, commissioner for investment, commerce said the state government would continue to initiate projects and programmes that would facilitate wealth creation and fast-track commercial activities in the state.
He expressed the readiness of the Tropicana Entertainment centre to provide tenancy to the retail giant as it expands its first class services to the state.
ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK
