*We are enjoying dividends of good governance – ASMATA PG
By Toby Chuks
The commercial city of Onitsha was agog at the weekend as market traders under the umbrella of Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) converged in the city to mark the 2026 edition of traders day with the governor of the State Professor Charles Chuwuma Soludo and the CEO Pineleaf Property Limited Archbishop Dr Onyeka Nzekwesi among others lighting up the occasion held Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium.
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Our Correspondent reports that the event provided opportunity for the traders to count their blessings under the administration of governor Soludo with the chief host and President General of ASMATA Chief Humphrey Anuna declaring amid pomp and peagantry that the traders are enjoying the dividends of democracy like never before under Soludo’s administration.
Addressing the traders, Governor Soludo who was ably represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Engineer Michael Obiekwe, said that such an occasion brings about unity and interactions among the traders noting that “It’s a thing of joy for us to gather here today to celebrate the hard working traders of Anambra States. I also celebrate the market women traders for sustaining a peaceful trading environment.
“I commend, His Excellency, Governor Chukwuma Soludo for transforming Onitsha, the commercial hub of the state. He remodeled Onitsha Main market, reformed market leadership, redesignated major markets as markets of socio-economic and security concern.
“He has also improved security, roads and ended sit-at-home which has eaten deep into our economy. Also he has been able to tackle flooding and congestion in the markets. I urged the traders to continue to support the State government and their market leaders ensuring they are security conscious
Earlier in his speech, Chief Anuna, said that the event was designed to bring traders, their partners and well wishers together to interact, have fun, recognise those that are doing well and celebrate the goodness of God noting that this year event involved match pass, male and female football, track and field and presentation of Award of Honor to the CEO Pineleaf Estate and Property Limited Archbishop Dr Onyeka Nzekwesi
Chier Anuna commended Governor Soludo for his massive development strides which has made life a smooth one for traders adding that traders are enjoying dividends of good governance such as tight security with CCTV camera all over the markets, good road network linking the markets, good sanitation work, quality health care for us, quality education for our children and free flow of traffic like never before in the State among other things that have elevated life and business in the State.
“Soludo is nourishing Anambra and traders are the most beneficiaries. We will continue to pray for him for more good things to come our way. He provided security to us which is the most important thing for any business to grow. He furnished us with roads that lead to our markets and through good leadership has been able to restore peace in all markets in the state,” the PG stated further
Presenting the Award to Archbishop Onyeka Nzekwesi, the ASMATA PG stated that it was based on the investment the Archbishop has put in sponsoring sporting activities for the traders adding that the Pineleaf boss has ponsored two editions of sporting activities of the traders and still counting.
In his response after the presentation of the award to him, Archbishop Nzekwesi said that as a lover of sports he will continue to invest in sporting activities for the traders with a view for the youth to gain opportunity to unleash their potentials.
The business icon turned Archbishop expressed satisfaction with Chief Anuna for the able way he has been piloting the affairs of the traders adding that Governor Soludo did wonderfully well for having him to assist in the peace which has been restored in the markets across the state.
Other highlight of the day is presentation of cash prices to winners of match pass, football game, track and field etc.
