Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has declared a final end to the long-standing sit-at-home order in the state.

“Ndi Anambra are taking back their day, their economy, and their future. Today marks an end to the sit-at-home,” Mr Soludo said on Monday.

The governor made the declaration when he led a walk through Onitsha Main Market to signal the return of normal commercial activities to the commercial nerve centre of the state.

The sit-at-home order was imposed by the Biafra separatist group in 2021, and the development has crippled economic life in the South-East for nearly five years.

Although the group had announced a suspension, many businesses remained shuttered due to intimidation, destruction, and violent killings, thereby creating persistent “ghost towns” every Monday.

Speaking during a visit to the market, Mr Soludo engaged directly with traders and reassured residents that it was now safe to operate.

The governor, who walked through high-traffic trading areas, warned traders who remained closed to reopen or risk forfeiting their trading spaces.

“I am satisfied with the large turnout of traders at the Onitsha Main Market today; it is impressive the number of people that have come to make purchases,” he said.