By Chukwuemeka Opara, Uburu (Ebonyi), Christian Ogbonna, Abakaliki, May 5, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived Ebonyi on Thursday for a two-day official visit to the state.

The president, who was accompanied by Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi among other top government officials arrived in the state at about 11. 15 am.

The helicopter conveying the president with registration number: 5N–FG1 landed on the pavilion inside the governor’s residence in his hometown, Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of the state.

The president after exchanging pleasantries with top government officials, traditional rulers among others who came to welcome him, inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Nigerian Army.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the president will inaugurate the ultra-modern King David University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, with adjourning roads and flyover and the newly constructed presidential lounge, Abakaliki.

The president is also expected to inaugurate the ultra-modern Ebonyi international shopping mall, facilities at the newly constructed government house, completed road projects, the Ecumenical Centre, Sparido Tunnel, International Market among others.

Security across the state had been beefed up with relevant security agencies assuring the public of adequate protection of lives and property.

Meanwhile, traders, especially broom sellers in Abakaliki, Ebonyi capital say they are making brisk businesses following the visit of the President to the state.

NAN visit to some markets and streets in the state, revealed that there were price hikes in brooms and foods.

Some of the traders, who spoke with NAN on Thursday, said the visit was a welcome development to the state and their business.

Mrs Joy Onu, a seller at International Market, Abakaliki Local Government Area, told NAN that the brooms were sold at between N300 and N500 each, depending on the size as against N150 and N200 sold before the visit.

“We are happy over the visit and the way our business is lifted. The Presidential visit and APC in particular as a party has brought turn around to broom business.

“The prices have not hiked to the detriment of the presidential visit. We sell to make little gain and have a livelihood.

“I have to go as far as villages to purchase the brooms and after the expenses, including transportation, we make some gains,’’ she said.

Another broom seller in Kpirikpiri Market, Mrs Mercy Chukwu, said she was having good patronage and also commended the presidential visit.

“The price is good comparing the present nation’s economy. We sell from N300 up. The visit is a big one to the state and this is an opportunity for us,’’ she said.

Mrs Mariah Onwe, a food vendor also hailed the Presidential visit, adding that she was having good sales.

Mr Peter Okafor, APC chieftain, said the importance of broom as symbol of their party could not be over emphasised.

“This is what we are going to use to sweep in good economy for the people,” he said.