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No. of pages: 87

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Abstract:

Trade and Markets are aspects of the economic activities of man in every section of Igbo land. Ecological variations among different communities had enveloped societies to come together to trade, first through barter, and later the invention of currency by the colonial masters. Ogbete market, one of the earliest developed markets in Igbo land grew to meet people’s demand for goods and services. This development was a result of colonial infrastructures which gave rise to interethnic and inter-ethnic transactions. These activities in the market attracted migrants thereby increasing the growth and advancement of the market. Unfortunately, this well-structured market was affected by the outbreak of the Nigeria- Biafra War. During the war, Ogbete became an abode for the Nigerian military and a sex resort for raping and molesting Biafran ladies.

Some parts of the market got burnt. However, the sequel to the undaunting entrepreneurial spirit of Enugu indigenes, Ogbete was not only rebuilt after the war but has continued to significantly assist in the development of Enugu metropolis in many ways. Apart from serving as a melting pot of viable intergroup relations and economic succor, it is not without certain negative impacts within its location, including some emerging challenges. Retracing and reconstructing the evolutionary growth and the strategic importance of Ogbete's main market demands detailed reliance on primary and secondary sources to aid historical objectivity. In doing so, both qualitative and quantitative methods of inquiry received pride of place.