The Anambra State Government has again sealed shops belonging to traders in markets around Onitsha and its environs for failing to open for business on Monday.
Most of the affected shops were located at the Building Materials Market, Ogidi, where a significant number of traders did not operate.
The state government, however, commended traders who opened their shops, particularly those at the Electrical Parts Dealers Market, Obosi.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Markets, Evarist Uba, conducted a routine monitoring exercise to assess compliance with the state government’s directive mandating markets to open on Mondays.
During the tour, Uba noted that a substantial number of shops at the Electrical Parts Dealers Market, Obosi, were open, describing it as a departure from the prolonged weekly lockdowns that have disrupted economic activities in the state.
He said, “The Obosi Electrical Parts Market is a key hub for electrical components in the Southeast, and I’m happy to see a significant level of activity.
“The government is intentionally building a state that embraces productivity. The government of Anambra State, under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, is highly impressed by the courage and patriotism displayed by the electrical parts dealers in Obosi, as 80 percent of the market is open.
“Their decision to open their shops is a clear testament to their faith in the government’s efforts to restore peace and their commitment to the economic prosperity of the state.”
At the Building Materials Market, Ogidi, shops found under lock and key were subsequently sealed by the state government. The Special Adviser commended traders who complied and warned that sealed shops would remain closed for two weeks.
Market leaders who spoke during the monitoring exercise expressed support for the government’s action.
The Chairman of the Electrical Parts Dealers Association, Obosi, Chike Onunkwo, and the President of the International Building Materials Market, Ogidi, Chief Jude Nwankwo, praised the enhanced security measures provided by the state government.
They noted that the government had demonstrated commitment and that traders must reciprocate by supporting efforts to rebuild the state economy.
The monitoring team included the Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, AVM Ben Chiobi retired; and the Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Christian Aburime.
The team also visited other major markets in Nnewi and Onitsha to evaluate compliance with the directive.
