“There’s no demolition plan for Agbo Edo Market in Nnewi” – Council Boss, Echezona Anazodo

…..Dismissed false viral social media video and voice note

By Ebuka Onyekwelu

The Executive Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area, Hon. Echezona Anazodo, has firmly dismissed as entirely false the viral social media video and voice note alleging that he is demolishing part of the Agbo Edo market and demanding N3.1 million from traders for new shops.

He stated these allegations are the work of detractors and affirmed there is no plan to demolish any part of the market or impose any levy on the Agbo Edo business community.

Anazodo described the rumors as surprising and urged anyone affected by demolition or harassment to come forward, as no such directives have been issued by his administration.

He further clarified that the market was in poor condition before his administration intervened, with efforts focused on cleaning up, improving infrastructure, such as completing inner roads with proper drainage, building toilets and a hall, and providing free shops for low-income traders like fish and fufu sellers, who do not pay any fees.

Hon. Anazodo emphasized his administration’s commitment to strengthening trade in Nnewi North and ensuring transparency in all levies and fees, rejecting claims of illegal extortion or harassment of traders.

He also warned against misinformation and politically motivated disinformation intended to disrupt local governance progress and urged the public to verify facts from official sources

“There is no demolition and no plan to demolish any part of Agbo Edo market in Nnewi. If your shop has been demolished, come forward, and if you have been harassed or received any notice for demolition from Nnewi North local government, please come forward. Also, if you have paid for any shop in Nnewi, come forward,” the chairman said, describing the allegations as a “surprise.”

Hon. Anazodo, who spoke to journalists in his office, reiterated his commitment to strengthening Nnewi’s trade and commerce advantage. He further assured the Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, of full support in the upcoming Anambra State Governorship Election.

Reacting to a question as to what the situation is, Hon Anazodo said that the market in view was in a terrible state before he began intervention, which has cleaned up the market and given it a facelift. “The market was like a slum when we came in. It was not accessible. But so far, the local government has tried so hard to see how we can revamp the market to become a place where someone can do business. The local government is about to complete the inner road of the market, with standard drainage. We have also built toilets and a hall. We built free shops for low-income earners, specifically fish and fufu sellers. They have been there free of charge and haven’t paid a dime. You can go to the market and verify,” Anazodo said.

Some months ago, the Nnewi North LGA Chairman outlined the focus of his administration, which included fixing a suitable convenience for the market, paving a tarred road supported with a sustainable drainage, a free shop for fish and fufu sellers who were once in an open space, among others. As of Friday, October 18, 2025, what was observed in the market significantly correlates with the earlier outlined focus of Anazodo’s administration in Nnewi North.