The Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining market regeneration reforms aimed at boosting economic activity, improving urban planning and creating safer trading environments across the state.
The commitment followed Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s inspection of the New Parts Market, Nkpor Motor Park and Mgbuka Obosi Auto Spare Parts Market in Idemili North Local Government Area, one of West Africa’s largest automotive and spare parts trading clusters.
During the visit, Soludo expressed concern over indiscriminate roadside trading, traffic congestion, environmental degradation and safety risks. He announced plans to begin market regeneration projects to improve traffic flow, enhance public safety, restore environmental order and develop more sustainable commercial centres.
Responding to traders’ complaints about flooding and high rents, the governor assured them that his administration would address both issues promptly.
“We are coming. Very soon, all these places, including Sacamori, where flooding spills into the market and disrupts business activities, will become a thing of the past. Anambra must excel. We are here to ensure that Anambra excels.
“Let me be honest with you, even before your complaints reached us, we already knew what was happening because I am on the streets, too. Rents are not only being increased, but tenants are also being compelled to pay one, two, or even four years’ rent in advance. That is not right.
“The poor must be allowed to breathe. The roads we are constructing are to save people from taking their vehicles to the mechanic every week. We are providing water and electricity, offering free education in all public schools, and free maternal healthcare services in government hospitals. All these interventions are designed to improve the lives of ordinary people. That is why we must address the issue of tenancy and rent very soon, because the poor must be allowed to breathe,” he said.
The government said the reforms form part of its plan to transform Anambra into a more liveable and prosperous state while ensuring its commercial centres remain productive, accessible and globally competitive.
Meanwhile, the state’s First Lady, Nonye Soludo, reaffirmed her commitment to the welfare and inclusion of senior citizens during a support programme organised under her Healthy Living With Nonye Soludo Initiative in Awka.
The programme brought together elderly people from the state’s 21 local government areas and featured free medical screening, consultations, medications, food items, clothing materials and cash support.
Addressing participants, Mrs Soludo described older persons as living treasures whose wisdom and sacrifices remain invaluable. She urged families and communities to support senior citizens through regular visits, healthy nutrition and physical exercise.
“For everyone, both young and old, a little exercise every day is important, no matter how little. Equally important is what we eat,” she said, encouraging people to consume properly prepared natural foods instead of heavily processed alternatives.
She also appealed to residents to care for elderly neighbours by visiting them regularly, helping with household chores and offering companionship, saying such acts could significantly improve their wellbeing and quality of life.