By Polycarp Ifeanyi
It was indeed a historic moment at Ogbaru Main Market, popularly known as Relief Market, in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, as traders under the leadership of Chief Ndubuisi Patrick Ochiogu celebrated members who have attained the age of 90 years and above.
The 13 nonagenarians were each presented with a cash gift of ₦10,000 and various food items, including a 50kg bag of rice, detergents, wrappers, birthday cakes, and cartons of biscuits, among others.
Dignitaries at the event pledged financial support in honour of the celebrants, expressing their desire to “tap into the grace of longevity.” They included the Mayor of Ogbaru Local Government Area, Hon. Kenneth Akwuobi, who donated ₦650,000; the President-General of the Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), Chief Humphrey Anuna, who contributed ₦20,000; and the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Trade and Commerce, Chief Sir Everist Uba, who donated ₦10,000 to each celebrant.
Also present was the Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Ogbaru LGA, Hon. Chimezie Osigwe, who donated ₦100,000 on behalf of the House of Assembly member representing Ogbaru 1 Constituency, Hon. Noble Igwe, and personally pledged ₦5,000 to each celebrant.
The colourful event, held at the market’s prayer arena, began with a Holy Eucharistic celebration officiated by the Parish Priest of Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, Fegge, Onitsha, Very Rev. Fr. Sampson Ogbuebune.
In his homily, Fr. Ogbuebune commended the market leadership and traders for honouring their elderly members, describing the gesture as “a true celebration of God’s blessings.”
“Since I started visiting markets for prayers, I have never witnessed such an event,” he said. “You have celebrated God today by remembering your elders. As you have honoured them, may you also be remembered and celebrated in your old age.”
He prayed for continued unity, good health, and divine favour upon the market leadership, especially Chief Ochiogu and his executives.
In his remarks, Chief Sir Everist Uba praised Chief Ochiogu’s leadership and described the gesture as a reflection of genuine compassion and unity among traders. He urged traders to maintain the peaceful relationship that made the event possible and to support the APGA-led government in the forthcoming November 8 governorship election in Anambra State.
Other dignitaries who applauded the initiative included the ASMATA President-General, Chief Humphrey Anuna; the Mayor of Ogbaru LGA, Hon. Kenneth Akwuobi; the Ogbaru LG APGA Secretary, Hon. Chimezie Osigwe; and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of Ogbaru Main Market, Chief Eugene Nwanekezie.
Appreciating the guests, Chief Ochiogu explained that the event was organized to give elderly traders a renewed sense of belonging, noting that some of them were still active in business. He further announced that all 13 nonagenarians had been granted automatic exemption from market levies, except government-imposed revenues, in recognition of their past contributions.
“Old age is a special blessing from God and should be appreciated,” Ochiogu said. “These men and women have paid their dues when they were active in business. We pray God to continue to grant them good health and long life.”
He added that the initiative was inspired by Governor Soludo’s welfare-oriented policies in Anambra markets, noting that this was the first time such an event had been held in Ogbaru Main Market.
The honoured nonagenarians included: Okeke Edwin, Roseline Offormata, Echekam Dominic, Medline Okoli, Elder Godfrey Nwajiaku, George Udemba, Ezekere Duruoha, E. E. Onwuezue, Emmanuel Okoye, Chigbo Augustine, Obiwulu Francisca, and Festa Okeke.
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