Igbo residents in Bayelsa State yesterday shut down commercial activities in major towns as they celebrated the Igbo Day.
Most shops and other business premises were under lock and key throughout the day for the celebration.
Our reporter’s investigations in Yenagoa, the state capital, showed that shops, stalls, offices and other business premises were shut down.
The stretch of the popular Mbiama-Yenagoa Road, known for having the highest concentration of shopping malls, supermarkets and shops, was devoid of business activities.
The Isaac Boro Expressway, where some giant malls are located in the capital city, had skeletal activities.
The only Mechanic Village and Computer Village near Tombia, known as the business hub of the city, were also shut down.
The roads, which were usually busy with vehicles, recorded few vehicular movements.
Major markets in the city were almost empty as many stalls and stands belonging to Igbo traders were under lock and key.
A commercial tricyclist, who identified himself simply as Denis, said the development had shown the commercial weight of the Igbo in the state.
Denis said: “Even a public holiday has never been like this. I can close my eyes and drive on the roads, which were usually busy. Even Christmas and Sundays have never had this kind of compliance.
“I have gone through the length and breadth of the state and I could count the number shops that were open. It is as if the entire state is celebrating.”
A resident, who identified herself as Preye, said she was stunned when she came out to buy some items but discovered that most shops did not open.
“It was later somebody told me that it is Igbo Day. This is unusual. It means that the Igbo are controlling the economy of our state. When they don’t open their shops, we won’t have any place to buy what we need,” Preye said.
Investigation further revealed that only beer parlours, relaxation centres and social joints were open for business.
Owners of various joints rolled out their drums and marched to the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, where the Igbo gathered for the celebration.