As part of preventive measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus in the State, the Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi had announced the closure of markets except those dealing on food items, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and other basic items of daily domestic need with effect from 6 pm on Tuesday, 31st March 2020.
Barely 24 hours after the kick-off time for the closure of all markets in Enugu State, Governor Ugwuanyi and his entourage visited a popular market within the metropolitan city known as Ogbete Main Market only to observe its non-compliance with the government’s directive. Ogbete Main Market is the biggest market in Enugu State where both food, medicals, electronics, fabrics and the likes are sold.
In a document signed on 1st April 2020, by Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, Secretary to State Government, the non-compliance resulted in the full closure of the market.
It stated, “ Following the self-evident substantial non-compliance during the compliance monitoring visit to Ogbete Main Market this afternoon by His Excellency, the Governor in the company of Security Chiefs –Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, Garrison Commander 82 Division Nigerian Army, Director, Department of State Services, Enugu State Commandant, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Enugu State Chief Fire Officer, has ordered the full closure of the Ogbete main market.”
He further stated that the State Government will not rest on its oars in containing this ravaging public health challenge and appeals for maximum cooperation and understanding of all residents in the State at this critical time.
Ortuanya also assured the public that sensitization and monitoring of compliance in the State will not be a one-off thing but will continue because the exigency of public health demands it.
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