Storytimes Newspapers

  The Anambra State Government has announced a landmark agreement with traders of the Onitsha Main Market to commence the phased remodelling of the sprawling commercial hub. The initiative aims to restore the market's infrastructure, improve organisation, and position it as a modern, sustainable trading centre aligned with global standards. The breakthrough came after a high-level dialogue at the Light House in Awka, involving Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and leaders from the Onitsha Main Market and adjoining markets. Rising from the meeting, both parties agreed to begin immediate reinvigoration efforts, with the remodelling to be executed in phases to minimise disruptions to ongoing commercial activities. Governor Soludo emphasised that the project is part of his administration's manifesto to deliver planned, sustainable markets and communities. He described the intervention as an "emergency" measure to address long-standing issues such as congestion, illegal str...

  Onitsha, Anambra State – Heavy security presence dominated the iconic Onitsha Main Market on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, as operatives cordoned off entrances and enforced Governor Chukwuma Soludo's one-week closure order. The directive, issued the previous day during an unscheduled visit by the governor, punishes traders for defying the state government's repeated calls to ignore the lingering Monday sit-at-home practice. Many shops remained locked on Monday, prompting Soludo to describe the observance as "protracted economic sabotage cloaked as sit-at-home." A joint task force comprising police, Nigerian Army personnel, and other agencies swiftly sealed major gates, turning away traders attempting to access their stalls. Eyewitnesses reported groups of traders gathering outside the perimeter, watching security operations unfold while unable to enter. The atmosphere was tense but no major incidents were reported. Governor Soludo, who warned during his visit that furt...