Onitsha traders march in solidarity for SON

www.odogwublog.com reports there was a solidarity rally today in Onitsha for the Standards Organization of Nigeria by Onitsha traders.

The traders closed their shops as they staged a solidarity march, saying the organization had done well in the war against counterfeit and substandard products in the area.

The traders came from major markets in Onitsha inclduing Building Material International Market, Ogidi, New Tire Market Nkpor, Electrical Market Obosi, Electronic Dealers Association Onitsha, Amalgamated Tire Dealers Association, Nkpor and Iron Road Dealers Association Bridge Head/ Atani Road Onitsha.

The Solidarity march which began from Dennis Memorial Grammar School junction at about 9am, took the traders round the major streets of Onitsha

 The traders were chanting pro SON,  songs, in appreciation of what they described as” the  good work the organization is doing in the campaign against substandard products and goods”.

It would be recalled that over 300 workers in an industry in Onitsha had last month demonstrated against SON in the area , accusing  it of taking bribe before issuing  patent certificates to manufactures.

 But the on Monday march, the traders carried s placards with inscriptions as:  “SON has saved us from fake and substandard products”
“Products fakers are wicked; all thanks to SON for saving us,”

“Substandard goods have been reduced from 80 percent to 30 percent all by SON’s efforts” .
“Dr Odumodu is the right man for SON”. SON thank you for the operation flush out substandard goods”; SON has improved standardization in Nigerian markets” among others.

 Addressing newsmen shortly after their march , through one of their leaders, Ifeanyi Ezeugo, the traders called on those who were against the operational methods of SON to have a rethink. 

 “We are here in support of what SON is doing in saving the lives of the people  by fighting against substandard goods and adulterated goods.
“For instance, we all know about the upgrading of cement to three G and this has reduced building collapse, reasonably.

“Even in the  rod business has been standardized; SON is working and we are supporting them, it is only when we support them that  they will have the zeal to do more .

The traders said  the march also afforded them the opportunity to sensitize the public on the need to always go for standard products .