BY VICTORY OKONJO
Hordes of shoppers crowded one of the major markets in Asaba, Delta State capital, Ogbeogonogo, today, as Asaba residents made last-minute purchases of foodstuffs and holiday gifts for the Christmas celebrations.
The bustling commercial hub was filled with enthusiastic shoppers navigating through densely packed aisles from early morning hours.
Speaking with The Pointer, a trader who sells foodstuffs at the market, Mrs Chinwe expressed satisfaction with the day’s sales traffic.
“The market has been very busy since morning. People are buying in large quantities because Christmas is just around the corner. Business has been good, and we thank God for it,” she said.
The holiday shopping frenzy extended beyond food items to clothing, shoes, toys, and decorative materials. Parents were seen carefully selecting gifts for their children while young adults browsed through fashion stalls looking for new outfits for the celebrations.
However, some shoppers expressed concern over the rising prices of commodities. A civil servant and business owner, Mr James, lamented over the cost of Christmas celebrations during this unstable economy.
“As a business owner and family man, I cannot begin to count how many people are looking up to me during this period. The high cost of items means I have to cut back on what I can afford,” he said.
Traffic around the market area was also heavy, with larger vehicles moving at a slow pace as motorists and pedestrians competed for space on the access roads.
As the Christmas holiday approaches, market activities are expected to remain intense, with traders anticipating even larger crowds in the coming days as more residents complete their holiday preparations.
