Thousands of traders from over 105 markets across Anambra State have officially thrown their weight behind Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s bid for a second term in office.
The endorsement was made during a grand event held on Saturday, August 23, at Justice Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium in Onitsha, organized by the Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA).
The occasion, themed “A Day of Celebration with Anambra Traders in Appreciation of Soludo’s Good Works,” saw ASMATA not only declare unanimous support for the governor but also donate ₦10 million to assist with transport logistics ahead of the forthcoming governorship election campaigns.
Chief Humphrey Anuna, ASMATA’s President General, praised the governor’s deliberate focus on development and peace, which he said have created a thriving environment for traders statewide. He highlighted the success of Soludo’s “One Youth, Two Skills” initiative, which has empowered many apprentices to become successful entrepreneurs, establishing new businesses with skills gained from the programme.
Patrons of ASMATA, including Chief Jude Nwankwo (Ocho Udo) and Chief Jude Agumadu (Baby Awka), applauded the governor’s impact on urban renewal, road construction, healthcare, and education. They underscored how the improved access roads in Awka and Onitsha have facilitated seamless commercial activities for both local and visiting traders, boosting economic vibrancy.
The traders also commended the security efforts through the Agunechemba and Udo ga Achi task forces, working alongside other agencies to restore peace and enhance business confidence across the state.
In a unified declaration, the traders chanted, “Soludo is our candidate nobody else. Traders will suffer if he is not re-elected. November 8, 2025, is a done deal for us.”
Responding, Governor Soludo expressed appreciation for the traders’ support and reaffirmed his commitment to ongoing collaboration for Anambra’s transformation. He emphasized that his administration has avoided external borrowing despite significant infrastructural investments, attributing this achievement to sound fiscal management and stakeholder cooperation.
The governor also revealed plans to harmonize tax and levy systems to prevent multiple taxation across government tiers while maintaining tax exemptions for petty traders, barrow pushers, hawkers, and other low-income earners to support their livelihoods.
He urged traders to uphold hard work and entrepreneurial values, steering clear of quick-money schemes that threaten the state’s social fabric.
This decisive show of support from Anambra’s robust trading community signals strong grassroots momentum for Soludo’s re-election campaign as the state edges closer to the 2025 polls.
