Storytimes Newspapers

 In a renewed push to eradicate the lingering effects of the Monday sit-at-home order, the Anambra State Government has sealed the popular Nkwo-Ogbe Market in Ihiala Local Government Area. The closure, effective immediately, is set to last one week as a punitive measure against traders who refused to open their shops for business on Monday, March 2, 2026. The decision was confirmed by the Chairman of Ihiala Local Government Council, Hon. Anayochukwu Charles Ojiako, who described Nkwo-Ogbe as the only market in the area that has consistently and blatantly defied the state government's directive to resume normal commercial activities on Mondays. According to the chairman, multiple efforts had been made to sensitize and persuade traders at Nkwo-Ogbe to comply, but these appeals were ignored. “We have tried on several occasions to get Nkwo-Ogbe market traders to commence Monday activities, but all to no avail,” Ojiako stated. He highlighted that other markets in the locality, including...

Challenges in Anambra State's commercial hubs like Onitsha Main Market, Ochanja, and others. Despite Governor Chukwuma Soludo's efforts to end the long-standing Monday sit-at-home order (originally linked to IPOB but now officially canceled), markets have seen sluggish activity. Many traders have reopened shops, but customer turnout—especially from outside the state—remains low due to lingering fears, insecurity perceptions, and practical hurdles. Key issues highlighted: Low patronage: Markets are largely empty on Mondays, with few buyers showing up even as shops open. Traders report unsustainable sales that fail to cover daily costs. High transport costs: Fares have surged dramatically (e.g., trips formerly ₦200 now ₦500–₦1,000; Onitsha to Nkpor Junction up to ₦1,000 by bus or ₦1,500 by tricycle). Limited vehicles on roads (many drivers avoid Mondays due to past risks) lead to scarcity, delays, and inflated prices, making it hard for traders and buyers to justify travel. Trade...

  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...