The Institute of Management & Technology (IMT) Enugu is once again celebrating the vibrancy of artistic talent with its annual AFASS Week, organised by the Fine Art Department. This highly anticipated event is a testament to IMT Enugu’s longstanding commitment to fostering artistic expression and innovation.

IMT Enugu’s dedication to the arts is well-recognised, especially through its role in hosting the Life In My City Art Festival (LIMCAF). LIMCAF is a prestigious event that showcases the dynamic art scene in the region, reflecting the institution’s deep-rooted influence in the world of fine art.

AFASS Week promises to be an exhilarating celebration, featuring a diverse range of activities, exhibitions, and performances. This event offers a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts, students, and the general public to immerse themselves in the creative talents emerging from IMT Enugu.

PHOTO GALARY OF THE DAY

During AFASS Week, I had the pleasure of photographing the students and their extraordinary cosplaying costumes. Their creativity and dedication were on full display, highlighting the impressive skills nurtured at IMT Enugu. The students’ costumes were not only visually stunning but also reflective of the innovative spirit that defines the Fine Art Department.

IMT Enugu stands out as a beacon of creativity in Nigeria’s academic landscape. The institution’s Fine Art Department, renowned for its blend of artistic brilliance and divine inspiration, continues to produce exceptional artists who push the boundaries of creativity. Their work embodies the very essence of artistic expression, drawing on a rich heritage of creative ingenuity.

It’s evident that IMT Enugu is a pioneer in promoting the arts and creating a culture where creativity thrives, as we celebrate the accomplishments of the school and its students. IMT Enugu is still a mainstay of Nigerian cultural brilliance, as seen by its legendary contributions to art festivals and its stunning exhibits during AFASS Week.

Happy Fine & Applied Art Festival to all!

Origins and Establishment

New Haven Market is a relatively new addition to the city’s commercial scene. It is situated in the New Haven district in Enugu State, Nigeria. New Haven Market was created in the late 20th century to serve the expanding residential and commercial needs of the New Haven area, in contrast to some of the older, more traditional markets in Enugu. During the 1970s and 1980s, this neighborhood was established as a residential area in tandem with Enugu’s urban boom.

Urban Expansion and Development

The development of the New Haven neighbourhood was part of a broader urbanisation plan aimed at accommodating Enugu’s increasing population. As the neighbourhood grew, the need for a local marketplace became evident. Residents required a convenient location to purchase daily necessities without having to travel to the more distant, established markets like Ogbete Main Market. This led to the establishment of New Haven Market.

Market Structure and Offerings

The goal of New Haven Market’s design was to effectively serve the neighbourhood. It sells a range of products, such as clothes, electronics, fresh vegetables, and household goods. The market’s division into sections, each with a focus on a particular kind of goods, contributes to an ordered and convenient shopping environment.

One of the key features of New Haven Market is its emphasis on cleanliness and organisation, which has made it a preferred shopping destination for many residents. The market’s layout allows for easy navigation, and vendors are known for maintaining tidy stalls, contributing to the market’s overall appeal.

Economic Impact

The New Haven Market is a major contributor to the local economy. Small-scale traders and entrepreneurs can conduct their operations on this platform, which promotes local economic development. Additionally, the market draws customers from nearby communities, bolstering the local economy and providing for the needs of many families.

Community and Cultural Significance

Beyond its economic contributions, New Haven Market serves as a social and cultural hub. It is a place where residents gather, exchange news, and socialize, reinforcing community bonds. The market’s establishment has helped to integrate the New Haven neighborhood into the broader fabric of Enugu city, making it an essential part of the community’s daily life.

Challenges and Future Prospects

New Haven Market, like many other markets, struggles with issues like garbage management, overcrowding, and infrastructure upkeep. To address these problems and enhance market conditions, the regional government and market associations, however, are always at work.

Looking to the future, there are plans to expand and modernise New Haven Market to better serve the growing population. Initiatives include upgrading facilities, enhancing waste management systems, and implementing measures to improve security and vendor regulations.

Conclusion

The New Haven Market serves as evidence of how adaptable and dynamic Enugu State’s urban markets are. Originally created to meet the demands of a developing residential neighborhood, it has developed into an essential part of the local economy and way of life. The market’s significance as a commercial and social institution in Enugu State is shown by its ongoing success and potential for growth.

Historical Background

Kenyatta Market, commonly referred to as Mayor Market, is one of the major commercial hubs in Enugu State, Nigeria. The market is situated in the Uwani area of Enugu, providing a strategic location that serves both the residents of Enugu city and those from neighbouring areas.

Establishment and Early Years

In order to accommodate Enugu’s expanding population and rising business activity, the market was founded in the early 1970s. The market has the name of Jomo Kenyatta, the first Prime Minister and President of Kenya, and is a reflection of the pan-African unity that characterised Africa’s post-colonial era. This name was part of a larger movement to recognise African leaders who made noteworthy contributions to the continent’s struggle for freedom.

Initially, Kenyatta Market was designed to accommodate the influx of traders who were previously scattered around smaller markets in the area. It quickly grew in size and importance, becoming a central trading hub where various goods and services were exchanged.

Development and Expansion

Kenyatta Market has experienced substantial growth and development over the years. To increase its capacity and infrastructure, the market underwent significant renovations in the late 1980s and early 1990s. More stalls, stronger drainage systems, and increased security measures were some of the upgrades. The goal of these changes was to make the atmosphere more favourable for both retailers and consumers.

The market is divided into different sections, each specialising in various types of goods. There are sections for fresh produce, textiles, electronics, household items, and more. This specialisation has helped streamline the market’s operations, making it easier for customers to find what they need and for traders to manage their businesses.

Economic and Social Impact

The Kenyatta market is essential to the Enugu State economy. For thousands of traders, artists, and service providers, it provides a significant source of income. Through taxes and levies received from the dealers, the market also makes a substantial contribution to the state’s revenue.

Socially, Kenyatta Market is a vibrant community hub where people from different backgrounds and walks of life come together. It is a place where cultural exchanges occur, fostering a sense of community and shared identity among the residents of Enugu. The market’s bustling atmosphere reflects the dynamism and entrepreneurial spirit of the people.

Challenges and Modernization Efforts

Kenyatta Market has encountered various obstacles throughout the years, notwithstanding its achievements. Its operations have been seriously threatened by problems like overcrowding, inadequate waste management, and sporadic fire outbreaks. Nonetheless, the market authorities have approached these issues head-on, working with the state government.

In recent years, there have been concerted efforts to modernise the market. These efforts include the introduction of more organised waste management systems, the installation of fire safety equipment, and the promotion of digital payment methods to enhance trading efficiency. There have also been initiatives to improve the overall aesthetic of the market, making it more appealing to both traders and customers.

Future Prospects

Kenyatta Market is expected to continue expanding and developing in the future. It is anticipated that the current modernisation initiatives will carry on, with plans for more infrastructural improvements and the adoption of creative solutions to improve trading operations. The market is an essential component of Enugu’s commercial landscape due to its advantageous location and well-established reputation.

In summary, Kenyatta Market contributes to Enugu State’s economy and social fabric and stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of trade and community in the region. Its evolution from a modest trading post to a bustling commercial hub reflects the resilience and adaptability of its people, ensuring that it remains a cornerstone of Enugu’s market system for years to come.