Ogharu Main Market Celebrates Historic Event, Honours Aged Traders, Promotes Culture Of Respect For The Elderly

Gloria Anaeze

In a heartwarming show of gratitude and community spirit, traders of Ogbaru Main Market in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State rolled out the drums on Friday, October 17, 2025, to honour their colleagues who have attained the remarkable age of 90 years and above.

The colorful celebration, which began with a Holy Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Samson Ogbuebina, Parish Priest of Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, Fegge, Onitsha, marked the first of its kind in any market across Anambra State.

In his sermon, Fr. Ogbuebina lauded the market leadership for the noble initiative, describing it as a divine act of love and respect for longevity. He prayed that all who participated in honouring the aged would also live long in good health.

President General of ASMATA, Chief Humphrey Anuna, equally commended the Market Chairman, Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu (Ezeudo), his executives, and the traders for organizing the historic event. He urged other market leaders in the state to emulate Ogbaru Main Market’s gesture, which he described as “a lesson in humanity and gratitude.”

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Markets and Trade, Chief Everistus Uba, congratulated the market leadership for making history and for promoting values that align with the governor’s vision of a humane and inclusive Anambra.

In his address, Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu explained that the event was borne out of his deep respect and affection for elderly traders who have remained active and cheerful despite their age. He announced that the celebration would henceforth become an annual tradition, assuring the elderly traders of continued preferential treatment and support within the market.

He emphasized that honouring the aged was not just a celebration of longevity but also a reaffirmation of the community’s moral values, adding that the initiative would help the younger generation appreciate the virtues of hard work, perseverance, and respect.

The highpoints of the ceremony included the cutting of a celebration cake, presentation of gift items such as bags of rice and cash donations, and heartfelt tributes to the elderly traders who stood as living witnesses to decades of trading excellence in the market.

The event drew wide commendations from traders and guests alike, who described it as a touching reminder that honouring one’s elders is a timeless virtue worthy of emulation