By Kingsley Agim
In a bid to foster adaptability to the ‘new normal’ as occasioned by the corona virus pandemic, the State Ministry of Commerce has launched ‘Your Market Friend,’ an e-Commerce platform where people can place orders, buy food items, or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with just a click of a button.
Unveiling ‘Your Market Friend’, yesterday, at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Commerce, Prof. Eyo Ita House, Marian, Calabar, its progenitor and Commissioner for Commerce, Mrs. RoseMary Archibong stated that such innovation was made possible through the instrumentality of Governor Ben Ayade, who, at the creation of the Ministry of Commerce in 2019, also created the Department of e-Commerce.
The Commissioner said with the world facing regimentations and adjusting to new ways amid Covid-19 crisis, ‘Your Market Friend’ will avail Cross Riverians the opportunity to order for commodities online with timely delivery, thereby avoiding the health risks inherent in our usually busy and jam-packed markets.
Mrs. Archibong disclosed that‘Your Market Friend’ is commencing operation with delivery of high quality foodstuffs, face shields, masks and other personal protective items produced by the State Garment Factory, while hoping to grow the brand into a more robust merchandise for the sales of sundry goods and services.
She also revealed that her Ministry is collaborating with a lot of stakeholders, notably, the Market Traders Association of Nigeria, to making ‘Your Market Friend’ a one-stop shop for quality goods and optimal service delivery.
The Commerce Commissioner expressed optimism that when Covid-19 is significantly dealt with or eliminated, the many industries of the Ayade-led administration, spread across the State, will begin to operate maximally to the benefit of the entire Cross River State.
Mrs. Archibong concluded with gratitude to the Governor, saying: I am grateful Governor Ayade that he opens up our mentality to thrive, even in the face of difficulties,” with a message to Cross Riverians: “it is time to embrace commerce of all sorts.”
Earlier declaring the event open, the Chairman of the occasion and Executive Chairman, Bansara Rice Limited, High Chief Gabriel Umoden said he was “proud of the initiative” and expressed readiness to partner with the Ministry of Commerce in propelling such a laudable project to greater heights.
High Chief Umoden went further to enlighten participants at the event on packaging, branding and production of local agricultural products to gain commercial value and meet international standards, maintaining that such upgrade will better the lot of Cross River’s local farmers.
The Chief Executive quipped that the advent of Bansara Rice and other indigenous investments have obliterated the sad reality of taking rice produced in Cross River to be branded with other States identities. He called on other well meaning individuals to complement the State Government’s effort by investing in agriculture, a sector he maintained, is capable of sustaining the State's economy.
In an outpouring of goodwill messages, Cross River Commissioner for Establishments, Professor Alice Ekwu, expressed confidence in the capacity of her counterpart in the Ministry of commerce, saying her coming to a novel Ministry will also be successful as it is peculiar with her antecedents
She said the ample possibility of such breakthrough cannot be questioned with Mrs. Archibong being an understudy of Governor Ayade, whom has instilled in them the spirit of enterprise and determination to succeed. She however advocated for an offline directory for customers who cannot afford the luxury of smart phones and internet connections.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon. Stella Odey lauded Mrs. Archibong for breaking new grounds in the Ministry of Commerce, adding that such novel innovation will bring reprieve for people with busy schedules to shop for needs in an effective and effortless manner.
“I am going to be one of your biggest customers. I am going to be your frontline marketer, making sure that people are more enlightened on this line of business as well as to boost patronage,” Hon. Odey remarked.
The Ministry of Local Government boss however advocated for point-people with direct linkage to local producers in order to enhance effective service delivery and customer satisfaction.
Another important attendee, the Commissioner for International development Cooperation, Dr. Inyang Asibong, hailed the e-shopping innovation from the Commerce Ministry, describing it as a “timely and welcome development in a period that has been marred by the dreaded corona virus pandemic.
Other notable goodwill messages came from Heritage Bank PLC, the Calabar Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (CALCIMA), Cross River Chapter of the Market Traders Association of Nigeria, General Manager, Tinapa, Dr. Francis Ekom, Management of Paradise Toothpick Factory, and Mrs. Anie Iton of Bright Flow Logistics.
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