Anambra traders hail Soludo, Nzekwesi’s support, celebrate marketers’ day

Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, and Pineleaf Estate and Properties Ltd CEO, Archbishop Onyekachi Nzekwesi’s support to Anambra traders have continued to elicit commendations from residents and business men in the state.

The latest accolade is coming from Humphrey Añuna, Chairman of Anambra State Market Traders Association (ASMATA), during the Association’s 2026 Day celebration at Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium, Awka Road in Onitsha, Anambra State.

Specifically thanking Governor Soludo for his N500,000 yearly lifeline to traders, and Archbishop Nzekwesi for sponsoring some of their programmes and novel initiatives, the ASMATA chairman pledged the Association’s readiness to continue to partner with the State Government to maintain peace, sanity and enabling environment for markets in the state to keep excelling.

“We are deeply honoured to have our invited government officials in our midst today. Your presence demonstrates Professor Charles Soludo’s commitment to grassroot economic growth and welfare of small business owners. We remain committed to partner with the government to ensure our markets remain peaceful, sanitized and conducive for commerce,” he said.

The ASMATA boss listed some of his administration’s achievements to include improvement of security and safety in the markets through the installation of close circuit television (CCTV) gadgets, increment of government IGR (internally generated revenue) from about N400 million to about N4.2 billion, carrying out of first ASMATA medical check-up across seven zonal markets to oversee thousands of traders and partnership activities and establishment of ASMATA women and youth wings to ensure grassroot participation in various market leaderships.

“Establishment of first ASMATA women sponsored competition proudly sponsored by Archbishop Onyeka Nzekwesi, CEO, Pineleaf Estate and Properties Ltd; launched first ASMATA Command Force platform online 24/7, introduction of first ASMATA all traders identification card across all markets, distribution of relief package running into trillions of naira to victims of various market fire disasters,” the ASMATA chairman, who was honoured as the best market leader in Nigeria on June 7, 2025 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, revealed, among other numerous achievements recorded under his leadership.

Addressing the traders, the CEO of Pineleaf Estate and Properties Ltd lauded ASMATA for their unity, cooperation and commitment to working with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration to grow the State”s economy and improve the welfare of traders in the state, a development he noted has made market activities more interesting.

“What gives us joy about the traders is that they are working with our leader, Governor Chukwuma Soludo. We (traders) are not among those who oppose the government. Because of that, everything about the market gives us joy. You people can see that everything about the market is moving very well. We believe that you will keep doing well in your business. If one starts with One Kobo, it will grow to worth millions of naira in Jesus’ name. If you sow in tens, you reap will in millions.

“This celebration will be a reason for more celebrations in the markets where you operate. Whoever is not growing will start growing. Whoever does not have a market ID (Identity Card) should get one so that he can sell,” he said.

Archbishop Nzekwesi, an ardent philanthropist, thanked ASMATA for honouring him in appreciation of his sponsorship support to their female football team, a gesture he promised to sustain. He announced a donation of N5 million to ASMATA as support for their programme.

Speaking to BusinessDay shortly after his speech, Archbishop Onyekachi Nzekwesi advised traders to uphold truth in their dealings, which he said is the secret of success.

“Anybody doing trading with truth will never lack customers over the years. If somebody buys from you, he will also refer others to you. You know that we Igbos are inter-connected. You don’t know whose relative or in-law you’re selling goods to. But if you uphold truth in your trading business, soon it will expand,” he said.

Archbishop Onyekachi Nzekwesi hailed Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s achievements, especially the creation of enabling environment for businesses to thrive, describing the professor of Economics and former CBN chief as the best governor in Nigeria.

“His (Soludo’s) good work is very conspicuous. He’s the best working governor within the South South and South East, including Anambra. Today, no state in this region is more developed than Anambra. This (Soludo’s) government is doing well in all the sectors,” Archbishop Onyekachi Nzekwesi explained.

Various groups and zonal branches of ASMATA participated in the march past competition that constituted highlights of the event.

Speaking earlier with BusinessDay, some leaders of the various groups and zones commended the leadership of ASMATA and expressed hope that their members would excel.

Samuel Ifurunwa, Chairman, Old Motor Car Park Dealers Association, Mgbuka Obosi Market, said they came to celebrate with other market groups in commemoration of ASMATA Day to show that the association is united and that the traders in Anambra are one.

“Today, we want to participate in march past to emerge first because any market that emerges first will be recognized by the state government as a group doing well,” he said.

Obinna Nwagu Michael, Chairman, Aforigwe Market Traders Association, Umudioka, expressed hope that his group would emerge victorious in the march past competition. He extolled the leadership qualities of the ASMATA chairman, Comrade Humphrey Añuna.

“Our able PG (President-General) is a good man. A good leader leads by example. The legacies he is initiating in ASMATA since he came in (as chairman) are good, which everybody can learn from. He is very empathic and always ready to help when called upon,” he explained.