Market leaders and other stakeholders in the state have pledged to comply with the directives of the Anambra State Government on closure of markets across the State from Monday, thirtieth March, 2020 The traders made the promise during a meeting with the State Action Committee on Covid-19 at the Government House Awka.


Onyinye Agubaeze reports that this is in line with the Anambra State Government directives as part of measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic by temporarily closing the trade and commerce sector of the state for fourteen days excluding food and drug trade.


Addressing the market leaders, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Indigenous Medicine and Herbal Practices, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, informed them of the need to stay safe, as the markets pose threat of easy spread of infectious diseases stating that the South East especially Anambra State is known for trade and commerce and almost all families have members who belong to the field and as such if the market is infected, the whole State could as well not be left out.


He also advised that Ndi Anambra should start boosting their immune system by taking advantage of nature and disclosed that the virus usually affects people with poor immune system including the elderly and pregnant women, noting however that Nigeria is blessed with natural immune boosting herbs.


Speaking to the ABS, the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce Mr Uche Okafor said the market leaders are being enlightened about the Covid-19 in order to sensitize traders across the State about preventive measures and the necessity for the closure of markets, as according to him health is more important than business.


Also speaking, the President of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association, Chief Ikechukwu Ekwegbalu and the Chairman Eke Awka Market, Emeka Agumadu commended Governor Obiano’s resolve in ensuring that the Covid-19 virus is contained, assenting to carry out the directives given by the Anambra State Government.