Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has issued a firm warning to private school owners and traders across the state, saying any institution or business that remains closed on Mondays risks being sealed by the government.
The governor made this known during a press briefing on Thursday, later shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. He expressed concern that the persistent sit-at-home observance is hurting Anambra’s economy and undermining the wellbeing of residents.
Soludo recounted a recent inspection tour of major markets, including the state-owned main market in Onitsha, which he described as the largest in West Africa. According to him, while commercial activities were thriving in surrounding areas, the main market itself was largely deserted.
He explained that traders had earlier been warned to open their shops or face sanctions. However, upon discovering that the market remained mostly shut, the government decided to close it for the rest of the week.
Describing the situation as a critical moment for the state, the governor said the continued shutdown of markets and schools represents “a struggle for the soul of Anambra’s future.”
He emphasized that his administration has a responsibility to protect the welfare and security of citizens, noting that Mondays are particularly important for economic activities such as supply and distribution of goods.
According to Soludo, businesses that fail to operate risk losing customers and investments to other states, a trend he warned could have long-term consequences for Anambra’s economy.
The governor also took a strong stance against reduced school schedules, dismissing the idea of four-day school weeks as unacceptable in modern times.
He stated that private schools are licensed to operate from Monday to Friday and that any school found closed on Mondays would be shut down by the authorities.
Soludo stressed that the government’s position goes beyond enforcing school attendance, pointing instead to the broader need to protect traders, farmers, students, and investors who rely on a stable and active economy.
He concluded by reaffirming that Anambra remains open for business, insisting that the state cannot function on a four-day workweek and must continue to project confidence to both residents and investors.