Abia Residents Flock to Local Markets for Christmas Shopping, Spend Millions
As Christmas season unfolds, residents of Abia State are flocking to local markets to purchase items for the festive season. Our freelance correspondents visited three major markets in Abia State – Aba Main Market, Umuahia Main Market, and Abiriba Main Market – to capture the excitement and gather insights from shoppers.
Aba Main Market: A Hub of Festive Activity
At Aba Main Market, our correspondent met with three shoppers who shared their experiences. Mrs. Nneoma Okoro, a trader, said, “I come to Aba Main Market every year to buy Christmas gifts for my family. This year, I’ve spent over ₦50,000 on clothes, shoes, and accessories.” Mr. Chukwuma Okeke, a civil servant, added, “The market is always bustling during Christmas, but this year, I’ve noticed more variety and better prices. I’ve spent around ₦30,000 so far.” Mrs. Uchechi Nwosu, a student, praised the governor’s efforts, saying, “The governor has done a great job in improving the market infrastructure and security. It’s now safer and more convenient to shop here.”
According to market officials, over 5,000 shoppers visit Aba Main Market daily during the Christmas season, with an average spend of ₦20,000 per person. This translates to a total spend of ₦100 million per day.
Umuahia Main Market: A Showcase of Local Produce
In Umuahia Main Market, our correspondent spoke with three shoppers who highlighted the market’s unique offerings. Mr. Emmanuel Onyekwere, a farmer, said, “I come to Umuahia Main Market to buy local produce like yams, cassava, and plantains. The quality is always excellent, and I’ve spent around ₦15,000 this year.” Mrs. Blessing Uzor, a housewife, added, “The market is well-organized, and the prices are reasonable. I’ve spent over ₦25,000 on food items and gifts.” Mr. Chidi Nwankwo, a businessman, advised the governor to improve the market’s parking facilities, saying, “The market is always crowded, but the parking situation can be chaotic. If the governor can improve the parking, it would make shopping here even more enjoyable.”
Market officials reported that over 3,000 shoppers visit Umuahia Main Market daily during the Christmas season, with an average spend of ₦15,000 per person. This translates to a total spend of ₦45 million per day.
Abiriba Main Market: A Treasure Trove of Traditional Items
At Abiriba Main Market, our correspondent met with three shoppers who praised the market’s unique traditional items. Mrs. Adaugo Ogbu, a teacher, said, “I come to Abiriba Main Market to buy traditional clothes and accessories. The quality is always excellent, and I’ve spent around ₦10,000 this year.” Mr. Ikenna Ude, a student, added, “The market is a treasure trove of traditional items. I’ve spent over ₦20,000 on gifts and souvenirs.” Mrs. Ngozi Okorie, a trader, praised the governor’s efforts, saying, “The governor has done a great job in promoting local trade and commerce. The market is now more vibrant and attractive to shoppers.”
Market officials reported that over 2,000 shoppers visit Abiriba Main Market daily during the Christmas season, with an average spend of ₦10,000 per person. This translates to a total spend of ₦20 million per day.
In conclusion, the Christmas shopping frenzy has hit Abia markets, with residents flocking to local markets to purchase items for the festive season. The governor’s efforts in improving market infrastructure and promoting local trade and commerce have been praised by shoppers. However, some shoppers have advised the governor to improve parking facilities and address other minor issues to make shopping even more enjoyable.
Dr Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke writes from the University of Abuja Nigeria.
