By Mokwugwo Solomon
Friday, October 17, 2025, will remain ever green in the annals of the history of Ogbaru Main Market in Anambra state, as the leadership of the market, together with other traders, celebrated and honoured collegues who have attained the age of 90 years and above.
The historical event began with a Holy Mass presided over by a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Samson Ogbuebina, who is the parish priest of Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, Fegge, Onitsha.
In his homily, Fr. Ogbuebina praised the leadership of the market for organizing the ceremony, which he said, was the first of its kind anywhere in Anambra markets.
He said, “I am particularly happy for the leadership of this market led by Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu, for this noble initiative. From the records, this is the first time this kind of thing is happening in any market across Anambra state.
“Honouring the aged is a noble thing, because, as the Igbo adage has it, ‘when you honour the elderly, you procure longevity.’ This is exactly what the leadership of this market and the entire traders in this market have demonstrated.
“Our collective prayer is to attain old age. It is a blessing. As we celebrate these elderly persons, we pray that all of us here will age with grace and good health.”
The ceremony was attended by over five thousand traders, including the leadership of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) led by its President General, Chief Humphrey Anuna (Onwa Oraeri), as well as the Special Assistant to Governor Charles Soludo on Trade and Markets, Chief Everistus Uba; among other dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, President General of ASMATA, Chief Humphrey Anuna, commended the chairman of Ogbaru Marin Market, Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu (Ezeudo), his executive and other traders in the market for organizing the historical event, which according to him, was first of its kind in the history of Anambra markets.
The ASMATA PG prayed God to extend such blessing of longevity to him and his family; and noted that it is a thing of joy and thanksgiving seeing men and women 90 years old and above in very sound health, and still doing business in the market. He urged leaders in other markets to emulate Ogbaru Main Market in celebrating and honouring old age.
Speaking, the Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Markets and Trade, Chief Everistus Uba, applauded the leadership of the market for their visionary leadership, saying that they have made a history in the annals of Anambra markets.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the chairman of Ogbaru Marin Market, Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu, noted that he decided to honor those at 90 years and above because of his love for the elderly persons, and said that it gives him joy seeing elderly people being happy.
He said, “The decision by me, Chief Ndubisi Ochiogu, chairman of Ogbbaru Main Market, my executive and the entire traders in this market to organize a ceremony in honor of individuals aged 90 years and above is because of the profound respect I have for the elderly, a recognition of their contributions, and an understanding of their importance within the market and the wider society.”
Chief Ochiogu, who promised to make the ceremony an annual event, assured the elderly traders that they would continue to enjoy preferential treatments in the market, and asked them to always approach the leadership of the market if they have any concerns or challenges.
He said that one of the primary reasons for organizing the ceremony was to celebrate the impressive milestone of reaching 90 years and beyond.
He said, “In Igboland, the elderly people are respected as custodians of wisdom and tradition. Their longevity often signify a wealth of experiences and knowledge that can benefit younger generations. By honoring these individuals, we aim to acknowledge their wisdom and the life lessons they have to offer.
“Again, this ceremony serves as a reaffirmation of community values that respect and elevate old age. In this modernizing world, where traditional values can sometimes be overlooked, this event reinforces the importance of honoring elders. It promotes a culture of respect and provides an opportunity for younger ones to learn about their heritage through the stories of these seniors. So, this kind of gathering could help instill a sense of pride on elderly traders in this market.”
The market leader also emphasized that organizing a ceremony for the elderly will draw attention to the various issues that come with aging, including health care, social support, and the need for community involvement; adding that the initiative seeks to point at the need for better services and programs aimed at supporting the aging population.
“This ceremony is also an opportunity for traders in this market to come together in unity,” he said. “This kind of event can strengthen good relationships among traders, promote intergenerational relationships, and create an atmosphere where every trader feels valued, respected and belonged.
“These individuals, who reach the age of 90 and above have contributed so much to the growth and development of Ogbaru Main Market in various ways.”
One of celebrants, who gave his name as Stephen, expressed joy at the initiative of the market leadership in remembering them, honouring their ages and their contributions to the development of the market.
“Since this market started many years ago, this kind of thing has not happened; neither has it happened in any other market in Anambra state. So, what Ochiogu and his group have done is very noble, and we’re grateful for it,” he said.
He said, however that despite his age, he still come to the market daily, open his shop and do his business.
Another celebrant, who gave her name as Grace (93 years), thanked God for giving her long life and good health. She also thanked leaders of the market for celebrating them, and prayed that those that joined in honouring them would enjoy long life.
Highpoints of the ceremony were cutting a giant cake meant for the celebration of the elderly traders, distribution of bags of rice and undisclosed sums of money and other items meant for their upkeep and support.
