By peace udugba- The Daily Torch Media
Today and last Monday marked a historic and defining moment for Anambra State. For the first time in over five years, the heartbeat of commerce at the Onitsha Main Market returned in full force on a Monday. The streets were alive. Shops were open. Traders and customers went about their businesses freely. The air no longer carried the silence of fear, but the vibrant sound of recovery and renewed confidence.
Leading from the front, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo took the bull by the horns. He walked through the market, interacted openly with traders, and shopped like any other customer. That action was not a publicity stunt or a one-day experiment; it marked the foundation of a new and permanent normal for Anambra.
The message now resonates across the state—from Nkwo Nnewi to Eke Awka, from Ose to Ogbogwu and every other market: open your shops, display your goods, and let enterprise thrive again. To customers and patrons—the lifeblood of our economy—come out with confidence. Your presence powers this revival.
The collective courage displayed last week must now become a permanent habit—this week, next week, and every week thereafter.
Let there be no doubt: security arrangements across Anambra markets are robust, vigilant, and unwavering, even if they are not always immediately visible. The combined efforts of the Nigeria Police, joint task forces, and the Agụnechemba vigilantes under the Udo Ga Chi mandate form a permanent shield around our commercial centres. Last Monday’s peaceful and bustling activities proved conclusively that the environment is secure. The fear that once held us hostage has been dismantled through decisive action and sustained security presence put in place by Governor Soludo.
Ndi Anambra, do not listen to rumours, hearsay, or the whispers of saboteurs. Persisting in the old ways is choosing self-inflicted decline. Our legendary commercial spirit—the very identity that built cities and sustained generations—must not remain locked away. Every Monday opened is reclaimed revenue, restored livelihoods, and renewed hope. It is a direct investment in our children’s education, our roads, and our collective future. The prosperity of Ndi Anambra is inseparably tied to the daily vitality of our markets and businesses.
Governor Soludo has shown uncommon commitment and courage, staking his own credibility to demonstrate that Anambra is safe and open for business. He has shown the way and lit the path. The responsibility now lies with all of us to keep walking it—consistently and permanently.
Let this Monday amplify last Monday’s success. Let our markets overflow with the indomitable spirit of Ndi Anambra. Let us show ourselves, the region, the doubters, and the nation that Anambra is not just open for business—we are firmly in charge of our destiny.
Come out. Open up. Buy and sell.
The time for hesitation is over.
The season of recovery, growth, progress, and prosperity is here.
No turning back on Monday business.
No more sitting at home romancing fear and poverty. We are standing up—permanently—in the marketplace.
