Otovwodo Market, located in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria, is one of the region’s busiest trading hubs, known for its vibrant atmosphere and long-standing tradition of commerce. The market serves as a center where traders and buyers converge to exchange a wide range of goods, including foodstuffs, household items, and farm produce.
The market operates every four days, a schedule that locals say has been observed for generations. This system helps avoid clashes with nearby community market days, ensuring that traders and buyers from surrounding areas can all participate.
According to Mrs. Charity, a long-time trader at the market, the day is locally called “Erewo.” She explained that “it has been so since my childhood. People come from different places to trade. It is not only for the Otovwodo people.”
On market days, farmers bring their produce—such as yam, garri, and vegetables—while traders sell household items and other goods at relatively affordable prices. The market is known for its peaceful atmosphere, and the day is often regarded as a time when many residents refrain from farming activities in order to focus on trade.
However, with the increasing number of traders and buyers, congestion has become a challenge. Many traders now display their goods outside the main market area, causing traffic gridlocks along adjoining roads. Despite these challenges, the Otovwodo Market remains a vital source of livelihood for the people, sustaining families and fostering unity among different ethnic groups through trade.
Report by: Omonigho Beltina | Edited by: Chris Odjomah