- Soludo Orders Monday Reopening of Schools Across Anambra.
- Soludo can legally reclaim Onitsha Market land for public use.
- Market modernisation to include modern facilities for traders and future.
The Anambra State Government has directed all schools in the state to resume activities on Mondays, warning that institutions that fail to comply will face closure.
The order covers public, private, mission, and returned schools.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, stated that the directive was issued by Governor Chukwuma Soludo and that a circular detailing the instruction had been circulated to all school authorities. She emphasized that any school not resuming on Mondays would be shut down immediately.
In a related move, Governor Soludo reaffirmed his authority to reclaim the land occupied by Onitsha Main Market for public purposes, including the construction of schools. Speaking to leaders of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) at the International Conference Centre, Awka, he explained that while compensation would be offered to current landowners, the government could legally repurpose the land. Disputes over compensation could be challenged in court, but the revocation itself cannot be halted.
Soludo directed local government officials to monitor market shops from 10 a.m. on every market day, including Mondays, and report any closures. Shops found closed could face fines, permanent closure, or revocation. He assured traders that security would be strengthened to protect market operations and restore confidence.
The governor noted that plans to modernize Onitsha Main Market, initially scheduled for 2023, were delayed due to the need for proper relocation arrangements for traders. The redesign aims to remove illegal structures, provide modern facilities, and enhance the market’s status as the largest in West Africa, benefiting current and future traders.
A follow-up meeting with all market leaders is scheduled for Friday, January 30, at the Light House, New Government House, Awka, to finalize plans for reopening or temporarily closing the market for the modernization project.
