Ogbaru Main Market Pulls Largest Supporters as Traders Celebrate Endorsement of Soludo’s Second Term
By Polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha
It was a vibrant and colorful event as the President-General of Ogbaru Main Market, Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu, popularly known as Eze Udo, led a massive procession of traders and supporters to welcome the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, during a grand celebration organized by the Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) in support of Soludo’s re-election bid.
On August 23, 2025, thousands of traders from over 105 markets across Anambra State gathered at Justice Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium, Onitsha North Local Government Area, for an event tagged “A Day of Celebration with Anambra Traders in Appreciation of Soludo’s Good Works.”
A highlight of the event was the donation of ₦10 million to the Governor by ASMATA, aimed at supporting his transportation logistics during the upcoming governorship campaign.
Chief Ochiogu has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership capacity, which has earned him overwhelming support—most notably from the Mayor of Ogbaru Local Government Council, Hon. Sir Kenneth Akwuobi, who accompanied him to the rally.
Also in the impressive entourage were APGA ward chairmen from Ogbaru, local councillors, party stakeholders, various support groups, youth organizations, and cultural troupes including over five traditional dance groups and a renowned Ogene dance troupe.
In a symbolic gesture of appreciation, Chief Ochiogu personally gifted Governor Soludo five large fresh fish, underscoring his gratitude for the Governor’s impactful work for traders and the people of Anambra State.
Speaking to journalists, Chief Ochiogu,who also serves as the Chairman of all Market Chairmen across the state and co-organizer of the event,said the gathering was both a celebration of Soludo’s achievements in his first term and a public declaration of support for his second-term ambition.
“Traders in Anambra will vote massively for Soludo. We are working tirelessly to ensure his victory on November 8. This is our way of repaying him for the transformation he has brought to Ndi Anambra. He is truly a God-sent Governor,” Ochiogu declared.
In his address, Governor Soludo expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support from traders.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working with market stakeholders to drive the continuous transformation of Anambra State.
“When I applied for the job of Governor, I was intentional about recreating and regenerating Anambra. That vision remains intact. We haven’t borrowed a single kobo since assuming office, yet development is happening. Sustaining this momentum requires the active support of all stakeholders,and traders play a very significant role,” Soludo stated.
The Governor also revealed plans to harmonize taxes and levies across the state to eliminate issues of multiple taxation and overlapping revenue collection between local and state agencies.
He reiterated that petty traders, barrow pushers, hawkers, and other low-income earners remain exempt from paying taxes and daily tolls, as part of his administration’s pro-poor policies.
Soludo also urged traders to uphold values of honest enterprise and hard work, warning against the growing culture of get-rich-quick schemes such as “Okeite” and cybercrime, often referred to as the Yahoo boys menace.
In his remarks, Chief Sir Everist Uba, popularly known as Oba Nnabuenyi and Special Adviser to the Governor on Market Affairs, lauded Soludo for restoring tranquility and orderliness in markets across the state.
He credited the Governor’s intentional approach to governance and commitment to peaceful and inclusive development.
Uba highlighted the success of the Governor’s “One Youth, Two Skills” initiative, which has empowered thousands of apprentices to become entrepreneurs and start their own businesses.
“The reason traders gathered today is simple, to appreciate Governor Soludo. He reconstructed all the access roads to our markets. We have seen real change, and that’s why traders have unanimously agreed to support him on November 8,” Uba added.
Key patrons of ASMATA, Chief Jude Nwankwo (Ocho Udo) and Chief Jude Agumadu (Baby Awka), also praised the Governor’s achievements in urban renewal, road infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
They noted that the improved road networks in Awka and Onitsha have enhanced commercial activity for both local and visiting traders.
Traders also commended the creation of Agunechemba and Udo Ga Achi security outfits. Working alongside official security agencies, these groups have contributed to restoring law and order, creating a safer environment for business to thrive.
“We have all agreed—Soludo is our candidate and no one else. Without him, traders in Anambra will suffer. November 8 is a done deal,” they stated.
