By Ogechi Chika

The yuletide celebrations are here again. While innocent Nigerians continue to look up to the festive period and prepare adequately to meet their various needs within as well, it is imperative to forewarn Christmas shoppers especially in Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria on what they should avoid when they go to markets, shopping malls, etc to make their buys.

Ogbete Main Market is the largest and busiest market in Enugu State. It does not only draw shoppers from the Southeast region to itself, marketing men and women from across the country and other neighbouring West Africa countries are always visitors to the market. With the Christmass and New Year celebrations few days away, below are ten – the list is inexhaustible – rules to apply when you go to Ogbete Main Market in Enugu for Christmas shopping.

1. If you are sitting beside the window in a car or keke or whatever you are in, don’t use your phone. The chances of losing in a flash of light is high. Chances that you will lose your phone is at 100 percent. In fact, you will watch season 1 & 2 as your phone travels without you. Be cautious.

2. If you are a lady, don’t put your phone in your handbag when you are in the market, particularly; hold it in your hands with your wallet. You can put it back in your bag when you leave the market. Your handbag is the target most times.

3. As a guy, putting your wallet in your back pocket is at your owner’s risk. They will help you to keep it well and protect it from reaching you again.

4. There is no significant difference between going to Holy Ghost and going to Ogbete main market. The main distinction is that Holy Ghost Cathedral is a church, while Ogbete main market is the largest market in Enugu state. Don’t get confused; you can still say, “I am going to Holy Ghost,” or “I am going to Ogbete,” any keke or driver knows where to stop you. Interestingly the miscreants have no regard for the presence of the church in the market. If dem no respect God, who you be?

5. If you are inside the market and you hear someone shouting, “pụọ nụ ụzọ,” clear the road because these barrow pushers don’t have joy this season. If they accidentally hit you, don’t fight back. Just waka dey go your way. Their wahala na pro max and na their season be dis

6. Once it’s 5 pm, “uwa mgbede” officially begins.  Everything is available there assorted.

7. If you see a group of boys and girls gathered with a carton in their midst, shouting “phone, phone”, my dear just close your ears and continue your way or you might end up being scammed. Even police no dey handle their case o.

(8) Are you preparing to do Christmas shopping in Ogbete main market? Just have this mindset, the person standing next to you is a suspect. No matter how gentle he may look. “Ndi mpiawa azu júrú everywhere”.

(9) Strictly For women – If you are engaging the services of barrow pushers this season, make sure you are ready to run don’t ever loose guard to avoid stories that touch the heart. If the barrow man begin walk faster, enter bike abi na keke and follow him.

(10) Kid’s safety – Don’t come to the market with your kids this rush hour. Come & shop for them. You can return anything that doesn’t fit well. There has been records of missing kids every season in Ogbete. Keep the kids safe!

Your Welfare matters! Compliments of the Season!