By Enoch Uzuegbunam
The Anambra Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefo, has reiterated that Nnewi remains a strategic location for the Igbo people.
He made this statement today, February 24 during a phone-in programme on Choice FM 97.1 Nnewi, hosted by Mr. Afam Oforeme.
The discussion centred on the shutdown of Nkwo Nnewi New Auto Spare Machine Parts market for one week, starting from February 23 to March 2, purportedly due to a Monday sit-at-home order.
Dr. Mefor announced that the market would remain closed until the following Monday, in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s directive to end the Monday sit-at-home, an economic sabotage to the entire South East.
According to Dr. Mefor, traders had misused the grace given to them the previous Monday when he and his entourage visited the market. Despite interventions by Hon. Echezona Anazodo, the Mayor of Nnewi North, and market leaders, who pleaded for leniency and promised to sensitise traders, approximately 300 traders were found roaming without opening their shops yesterday.
The commissioner highlighted that the Homeland Security Law allows for Udogachi and Agunechemba security outfits, making Anambra one of Nigeria’s safest states. He urged marketers to liaise with these security agencies for safety, citing last Christmas and New Year celebrations, where Anambra experienced its highest turnout in 20 years without security incidents.
The commissioner warned Nnewi traders in nine markets to open their shops next Monday or face closure, saying that Nnewi market is the second-largest in Anambra after Onitsha Main Market and belongs to the government. He emphasised the need for five to six days of business to attract investors, underscoring Nnewi’s strategic importance for Ndi Igbo.
He affirmed that the government plans to further develop Nnewi beyond its current state.
Enoch is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
