Igbo traders need govt support to bounce back -ISTDAL boss

By George Aluo

President of Imo state Town Associations in Lagos (ISTDAL) Chief Chris Ekeocha (Onwa) has appealed to Lagos state government to lend some support to Igbo traders in Lagos to enable them bounce back after the huge losses suffered in the midst of Coronavirus lockdown.

Ekeocha in a release made available to the media in Lagos noted that Igbo traders are the worst hit by the economic effects of Coronavirus pandemic.

“If government fails to come to the aid of these traders, most of them risk going out of business. My appeal to the Lagos state government is to find a way of helping these traders. Giving them tax rebates would go a long way. These are people that have been contributing to the economic growth and development of Lagos state…leaving them in the lush at these very trying period wouldn’t be the best.”

Ekeocha urged the traders and all other businessmen and women to abide by the protocol of government and health authorities as government prepares to open up the economy.

He stressed that ISTDAL and the various Imo autonomous communities in Lagos would also follow government instructions before starting any form of congregation.

“ISTDAL and all her affiliates have suspended all activities since the lockdown started. We pray by God’s Grace, the Coronavirus would leave our world so that things can come back to normal. God would definitely hear the cry of his people,” Ekeocha stated.