The Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining ongoing market regeneration reforms aimed at boosting economic activities, improving urban planning, and ensuring safer trading environments across the state.

The resolution follows Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s inspection tour of major commercial hubs, including the New Parts Market, Nkpor Motor Park, and the Mgbuka Obosi Auto Spare Parts Market, all in the Idemili North local government area of the state, which altogether form one of the largest automotive and spare parts trading clusters in West Africa.

During the visit, Governor Soludo expressed concerns over indiscriminate roadside trading, traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and safety risks.

He announces that market regeneration efforts will commence to improve traffic flow, enhance public safety, restore environmental order, and create more sustainable commercial centres capable of supporting the state’s growing economy.

Following traders’ complaints of flooding and outrageous house rents in the area, the governor gives the traders assurances of addressing the issues promptly to ensure that economic growth balances with environmental sustainability, public safety, and orderly urban development. He remarks,

“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. To the landlords, despite the difficult economic times, you continue to increase rents.

“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. After making these advance payments, tenants still have to pay agents’ fees.

“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,” the governor said.

The Soludo administration is determined to transform Anambra into a liveable and prosperous homeland, and as implementation begins, stakeholders are expected to collaborate with the government to ensure that the state’s commercial centres remain productive, accessible, and globally competitive.

Anambra First Lady Reiterates Support for Elderly Citizens

Meanwhile, the Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Nonye Soludo, has reaffirmed her commitment to the welfare, dignity, and inclusion of senior citizens in the state through a comprehensive support programme.

Mrs Soludo disclosed this in a special appreciation and welfare programme for the elderly citizens through her Healthy Living With Nonye Soludo Initiative.

The event held at the Light House, Awka, brought together older persons from the twenty-one local government areas of the state, and, aside from providing a relaxed atmosphere for the elderly citizens to play games, the event featured free medical screening and consultations for age-related ailments, while beneficiaries also received prescribed medications, food items, clothing materials, and cash support from the First Lady.

Addressing the gathering, Mrs Soludo described elderly persons as living treasures whose wisdom, values, and sacrifices remain invaluable to society.

She stressed that ageing should be associated with dignity, companionship, and quality healthcare rather than neglect or isolation. She urged families, communities, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen support systems that promote the protection and inclusion of older persons, especially through exercises, nutrition, and visitations.

“For everyone, both young and old, a little exercise every day is important, no matter how little. Equally important is what we eat. I want to appeal to caregivers because many of our people see tinned or processed foods as a sign of good living, but that is not necessarily the case. Natural foods are the key to healthy living,” she said.

“For foods like cassava, prepare them properly yourselves, peel them, soak them, and allow them to ferment well. Some of the processed products sold in the markets are treated with bleaching or whitening agents to make them more attractive to buyers. So, let us all be mindful because what we eat has a direct impact on our health.”

Mrs Soludo also noted that “many elderly people could not be here today. Let us make it a responsibility to visit them regularly. Help them sweep their rooms; it may not take up to an hour, but the joy and companionship you bring into their lives are invaluable. Turn their mattresses, wash their clothes, and spend time talking with them.

“These simple acts of care can greatly improve their well-being and even contribute to a longer, healthier life. This is why we are here today. This stage of life can be one of the most fulfilling, but you must take good care of yourselves. If you do, you will truly enjoy it. I hope you all understand the message I am sharing with you.”

The event aligned with the Anambra State Government’s broader commitment to inclusive social welfare and preventive healthcare to ensure that senior citizens continued to live with dignity, respect, and a sense of belonging.

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