Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association Pays Courtesy Visit To Baywood Group, CBI Technology And CBI Digital Media; Partnership Initiative Unveiled.
Traders at the Centre of Nigeria’s Economic Growth: Comrade Chinedu Ukatu Speaks on Insight 360
In a strategic move to strengthen business relationships, promote market development and explore innovative media partnerships, the leadership of Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association paid a courtesy visit to Baywood Group, CBI Technology and CBI Digital Media, culminating in promising discussions on collaboration, business development and trader empowerment.
The engagement commenced with a live interview on Insight 360, featuring the President of Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association, Comrade Chinedu Ukatu, who offered insightful perspectives on Nigeria’s economic realities and the indispensable role of traders in national development.
Traders: The Backbone of Nigeria’s Economy
During the interview, Comrade Ukatu examined the prevailing economic challenges confronting Nigeria, particularly their impact on market traders, small business owners and the informal sector.
He emphasised that traders remain critical to the country’s economic survival, serving as major drivers of employment generation, the distribution of goods, wealth creation and community development.
The President highlighted the need for economic policies that genuinely reflect the realities of the marketplace, stressing that market leaders and traders must be actively involved in conversations shaping Nigeria’s economic future.
Among the key issues discussed were:
- The rising cost of doing business and its impact on traders.
- Multiple taxation and the financial burden on market associations.
- Market infrastructure, fire prevention and safety challenges.
- Transportation and logistics difficulties affecting the movement of goods.
- Access to affordable financing, insurance, and business support.
- The need for government-backed intervention and disaster relief for traders affected by market fires and other unforeseen losses.
Comrade Ukatu maintained that empowering traders is not merely an intervention for the informal sector but a strategic investment in Nigeria’s broader economic prosperity.
Facility Tour and Business Engagement
Following the live interview, the Ndigboamaka delegation embarked on a facility tour led by the Founder and Executive Vice-Chairman of Baywood Group, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe.
The tour provided the visiting delegation with an opportunity to appreciate the group’s operational environment, media infrastructure and technological capabilities, particularly in broadcasting, digital media and business communication. The team expressed its admiration for the facilities, describing the organisation as the CNN of Africa.
The visit subsequently progressed into a business discussion involving representatives of Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association, Baywood Group, CBI Technology and CBI Digital Media.
The discussions explored opportunities for strategic collaboration, media visibility for traders, business promotion, association development and innovative initiatives capable of connecting market communities with broader economic opportunities.
A Strategic Partnership for Market Development
The business engagement concluded with a shared commitment to explore collaboration between Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association, CBI and Baywood Group, particularly in the areas of business projection, media development, trader-focused initiatives and institutional partnerships.
The proposed collaboration is expected to create opportunities for market associations to communicate their activities more effectively, promote businesses, showcase achievements and strengthen the visibility of traders across Nigeria.
Dignitaries and Delegation Members
The Ndigboamaka delegation comprised distinguished market leaders and representatives, including:
- Comrade Joe Chikwado Nwuba — Lagos Island Tailoring Materials; Business Torch Publishers & Communications.
- Onyeadika Emeka — General Secretary, Mandilas Market Association, Trade Fair Complex, Lagos.
- Chief Rufus O. Ekuweme — Chairman, Elders Council, Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association, UASPDA Trade Fair Complex.
- Udola Okechukwu-Nwankwo — Chairman, Ojo Drive and Environs Traders Association, Alaba.
- Ezeagbai Maduka Gibson — Assistant Financial Secretary, Dealers in Hair & Weavon Association of Nigeria (DHAWAN).
Also present was Beadys Nnanna, media personality, CEO of Beadys Word Productions and Media Consultant to Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association.
The delegation represented a cross-section of market leadership, business interests and organised trading communities, reinforcing the association’s commitment to building stronger relationships across the commercial sector.
Baywood Group and CBI Digital Media Representatives
The host delegation included:
Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe — Founder and Executive Vice-Chairman, Baywood Group.
Gbenga Adebija — Managing Director, CBI Digital Media, alongside other members of staff.
The engagement provided a platform for both organisations to explore how media, technology and strategic business partnerships can contribute to the growth and visibility of market associations.
Ndigboamaka Traders Cup 2026: Sports, Unity and Business Development
Another major area of interest during the business discussion was the forthcoming Ndigboamaka Traders Cup 2026.
The proposed collaboration between CBI News/Insight 360 and Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association will extend beyond routine media coverage to include publicity, business projection, promotional activities and strategic media support for the association’s initiatives.
The Ndigboamaka Traders Cup is expected to bring together traders and market communities through football, creating an avenue for unity, networking, healthy competition and social engagement.
The grand finale is scheduled as follows:
Date: Saturday, 14 November 2026
Venue: National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The tournament is expected to attract market leaders, traders, business stakeholders, supporters and members of the wider public.
It will also provide an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of traders while promoting unity and sporting excellence across the market community.
A New Chapter in Trader-Centred Media Partnership
The courtesy visit represents more than an institutional engagement; it signals a growing recognition of the importance of connecting market associations with technology, media and strategic business platforms, while giving traders a stronger voice to promote their businesses, reach wider audiences and grow their earnings.
For Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association, the engagement reinforces its commitment to advancing the interests of traders, strengthening business networks and creating platforms for economic empowerment.
For Baywood Group, CBI Technology and CBI Digital Media, the engagement opens avenues for meaningful collaboration with one of Nigeria’s active market-based organisations.
As discussions translate into practical initiatives, the partnership promises to position traders more prominently in economic conversations, business opportunities and media visibility.
The message is clear: When traders are empowered, markets grow; when markets grow, the economy prospers.
Beadys Word Productions Ndigboamaka Media Consultancy
