By Nonye Muo
For many traders, Sundays are no longer reserved strictly for worship and rest, but have become another opportunity to earn a living in the face of economic hardship.
A visit to Kwata market, Awka on Sunday revealed bustling commercial activities as traders opened their shops to customers despite the traditional expectation of staying away from business after church services.
Speaking with our correspondent, a meat seller, Mr.Obiora Chidebelu, explained that Sundays are often the most profitable days for traders.
“The market used to be dull during the week. It is on Sundays we can make good sales because many people are at home and prefer buying fresh meat for family meals,” he said.
According to him, the increasing cost of living has forced many traders to maximize every opportunity to make income, including Sundays that were once considered rest days.
Also speaking, a cooking gas seller who identified himself simply as Mr. Emmanuel said his presence at the market on Sundays is mainly to assist residents who urgently need cooking gas.
“I always receive calls on Sundays from people asking me to come and sell gas to them. For me, it is more of helping people because emergencies can happen anytime,” he explained.
He added that many households run out of gas unexpectedly during weekends when most gas stations are closed, making Sunday sales necessary.
Meanwhile, a vegetable seller, Ifeyinwa Onyekaibe, said daily trading is the only means through which her family survives.
“If I do not sell every day, my family may not eat. Things are very difficult now, and we depend on what we make daily,” she lamented.
Some residents who spoke on the development expressed mixed reactions. While some believe Sundays should remain a day for worship and rest, others argued that the harsh economic realities in the country leave traders with little choice.
Economic observers say the growing trend reflects the pressure many families face as they struggle to cope with rising food prices, transportation costs, and other living expenses.
Nonye is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
