The Chairman of Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State, Chijioke Okpalaugo, has thrown his weight behind Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s decision to shut the market for one week, describing the move as a wise and timely intervention.
Okpalaugo said the closure is aimed at restoring the market’s lost glory, which he noted has been severely affected by the prolonged Monday sit-at-home order initiated by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“The governor has given directives which are for the good of the people. I know this is a good step and is something we should consider obeying”, he said while addressing the situation on ground at the market ealier on.
According to him, the repeated shutdown of business activities every Monday has crippled commercial confidence, reduced patronage, and undermined the historic status of Onitsha Main Market as one of the largest trading hubs in West Africa.
He expressed optimism that the temporary closure would help reset activities in the market, encourage compliance with lawful directives, and pave the way for a full return of traders and buyers.
“Our governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, is a listening and progressive-minded governor. We strongly believe that, with this appeal, he will consider us and reopen the market for our good because he loves his people.”
“We are sending a letter of appeal to him to reconsider us by reversing his decision. His decision is a wise decision and a welcome development. His action came at the right time. The order is for our own good. We are fully in support of his action. We have lost so many fortunes since the creation of the Monday sit-at-home in the south-east region. We are fully in support of the governor’s action against the Monday sit-at-home order.”
The chairman urged traders to support the government’s efforts, stressing that the long-term survival and prosperity of the market depend on consistent business operations and a secure commercial environment.
“To be honest, we were given the closure notification order on Thursday, January 22, 2026, by the Anambra State Government, that if we failed to open our shops on Monday, it would lead to closure. We hope that Soludo, being a listening governor, will help us reopen the market within the given period.”