Traders in the commercial city of Onitsha yesterday closed their shops to embark on a solidarity march for the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), saying the organisation had done well in the war against counterfeit and substandard products in the area.

The solidarity match had traders from the major markets in Onitsha in attendance. The markets include Building Material International Market, Ogidi, New Tyre Market Nkpor, Electrical Market Obosi, Electronic Dealers Association Onitsha, Amalgamated Tyre Dealers Association, Nkpor and Iron Road Dealers Association Bridge Head/ Atani Road.

The solidarity match which began from Dennis Memorial Grammar School junction at about 9am, took the traders round the major streets of Onitsha as they chanted pro SON songs, in appreciation of what they described as the good work the organisation is doing in the campaign against substandard products and goods.”

News Express recalls 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 in a contrast of the 300 man demonstration against SON, the traders carried placards with inscriptions: “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”, and “SON has improved standardisation in Nigerian markets,” among others.

Addressing journalists 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.

His words: “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 standardised; SON is working and we are supporting them, it is only when we support them that they will have the zeal to do more.”

According to the traders, the march has afforded them the opportunity to sensitise the public on the need to always go for standard products.

•Photo shows SON DG Odumodu.

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