By Gloria Onyeanusi
Business activities have returned in full force across Anambra State on February 2, 2026, as the popular Onitsha Main Market and other surrounding markets reopened, effectively putting an end to the five-year sit-at-home order that crippled commercial life in the state.
It was observed that from the early hours of the day, traders and customers thronged markets, banks, and business premises, carrying out transactions in an atmosphere of excitement and relief. Many openly praised the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for what they described as his bold and resolute decision to restore Monday business activities.
To ensure safety and public confidence, heavy security presence was observed across major markets. Personnel of the Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Anambra State-backed Udogachi security outfit were fully deployed in Onitsha Main Market and other adjoining markets.
At the Old Motor Spare Parts Market, Ngbuka, Obosi, in Idemili North Local Government Area, traders were seen actively doing business. Speaking with journalists, the Chairman of the market, Chief Samuel Ifurunwa, expressed deep gratitude to Governor Soludo for restoring economic normalcy to Mondays.
Chief Ifurunwa attributed the impressive turnout of traders to sustained sensitisation efforts, revealing that he personally went round the market to educate traders on the importance and benefits of reopening their shops on Mondays.“
“I went round the market explaining to the traders the importance and benefits attached to reopening our Monday businesses as directed by our governor. This decision is for our own good and economic growth,” he said.
The Chairman of the Grain Seed Dealers Association in Onitsha, , Chief Chijioke Okpala, asured that the market leadership would continue its efforts to ensure full compliance, adding that he appreciated the visit of the Chairman of Idemili North Local Government, who came to assess the level of compliance with the governor’s directive.
In a similar development, traders at Ogbaru Marine Market turned the reopening into a celebration. The President General of the market, Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu (Ezeudo), alongside his executive members, cooked food and provided drinks for jubilant traders to mark the return of Monday trading.
Speaking during the celebration, Chief Ochiogu applauded Governor Soludo for ending the sit-at-home order, describing the move as a fulfillment of the long-standing desires of traders and residents.
He also commended traders for turning out en masse despite what he described as false and misleading information circulating on social media.
“I want to thank our talk-and-do Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, for bringing back Monday business activities after nearly five years. As you can see, traders are jubilating, shops are open, and banks are working. We salute our governor,” he said.
Chief Ochiogu, however, appealed to the state government to ensure that security operatives remain around the markets until at least 4 pm, to enable traders to conduct their businesses without fear of intimidation or attacks by hoodlums.
The widespread reopening of markets on Monday is being hailed as a major turning point in Anambra’s economic recovery, signalling renewed confidence, stability, and a return to normal commercial life across the state.
Gloria is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
