Popular markets in Anambra state and why they get high patronage

By Orji, Somtoochukwu

10 Feb 2022

Humans do buy and sell to meet their needs. Marketing has been going on since time immemorial. Anambra state has its own share of markets. Some of them are daily markets while some operate only on specific market days. Here are some of the popular markets in Anambra state:

Onitsha main market

Onitsha main market is the number one market in the whole of Nigeria. It is one of the largest markets in West Africa. The economic hub has been operating for ages. Word of mouth and prints have it that the market commenced its activities around the 16th century. That was when the indigenous people settled around the river area. The market serves other markets in the country. People from all parts of the country and Africa go there to buy and sell. This is because of the sheer concentration of importers in the market. That is why goods are usually cheaper there than in every other market. This is the number one reason people throng the market. Now you know why the patronage is high.

Nkwo Nnewi

The first place that comes to your mind when you want to buy automobiles like a motorcycle is Nkwo Nnewi. Anambra birthed her own Japan in Nnewi. There, almost every adult owns a motorcycle and it seems the children learn how to ride bikes as soon as they’re over the crawling stage. This market is proof of the strength and business traits that run in Anambra people. The economic hub has its face as it is today all thanks to some Nnewi auto-parts dealers who agreed to leave Eko, Lagos, and bring their businesses with them to their hometown. That was how the market began, evolved, and turned into one of the foremost automobile hubs in West Africa. In Nkwo Nnewi, they also sell items ranging from food to household to electrical and others.

Building materials international market, Ogidi

From the name, you already know the kind of goods they sell there. This market in Ogidi is a vast one. There you get virtually all kinds of building materials. It is an international market drawing people from all parts of the country and Africa. People flood there to get materials for plumbing, wood and iron works, tiling, painting and other items used in the building sector. It is a one-stop-shop for your building needs.

Nkwo Umunze

The daily market called Nkwo is one of the major markets in Orumba, Anambra state. The market is most operational on Nkwo market days hence the name, Nkwo Umunze. At the roundabout, you see a statue of their late king, Igwe Matthias Ugochukwu. Umunze people have a specialty in preparing ‘ighu’ african salad. Like every other market, Nkwo Umunze has its share of noise and market life.

Eke Awka main market

Eke Awka as it is usually called is located in our state capital, Awka. The market is one busy place where thousands of activities in the area of buying and selling seem to be going on at the same time. There are parts of the market where you get foodstuffs, electrical items, plastics, clothing accessories, and other needs. At the center of the market is a roundabout where you see a molded figure of a father and son blacksmithing. The commercial center has been serving the Anambra people for decades.

Eke Ekwulobia

Eke Ekwulobia is a daily market resting in Ekwulobia, the headquarters of Aguata local government area. The market is a congestion of humans, vehicles and goods. The commercial hub hosts people from all parts of the state almost every day. Roads leading from Ufuma, Igboukwu, Awka and Uga meet at the market roundabout. The market serves Ekwulobia people and the state as a whole.

Afor Nkpor

Afor Nkpor is that market you go to with a list of foodstuffs and you’re sure that almost every one of them on the list would be ticked before you leave the market. You can trust Afor Nkpor when it comes to perishables. You get food and fruits at affordable rates. You may see it as a typical rural market. There, you also get clothing items, wears, and other basic things you find in an average market. The market is relatively big and people flood it to engage in buying and selling.