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By Oluseye Ojo
Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday moved to end roadside trading at the Agodi-Gate Market in Ibadan by ordering the relocation of traders into 177 newly constructed shops.
He declared that the facilities would be allocated free of charge to verified beneficiaries.
The governor gave the directive while commissioning 69 lock-up shops, 108 open stalls, a motor park, a new road network and a modern restaurant constructed by the Ibadan North-East Local Government at the Agodi-Gate Market, Ibadan.
Makinde said the initiative underscored his administration’s commitment to people-centred governance and urban renewal.
He stressed that the government would always provide viable alternatives before enforcing restrictions on roadside trading.
He directed that all documented roadside traders should move into the newly completed shops without paying any fee, warning beneficiaries to report anyone demanding money for the allocation.
“I am glad today that we have restored the glory of this park through the Ibadan North-East Local Government. As for the traders, who sell their wares on the roadside, your names have been properly documented and the shops will be given to you free of charge.
“Report anyone who tries to collect money from you. Move away from the road and enter the park.
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“We have decided that we will always make provisions before prohibiting roadside trading. What people fail to realise is that these traders use part of their little profit to send their children to school. We have done this project to ease their burden,” the governor said.
The commissioning came barely 24 hours after Makinde inaugurated a road network, a fire service building and an ultramodern car park with shops at the Bodija International Market, constructed by the Ibadan North Local Government.
The governor commended the Chairman of Ibadan North-East Local Government, Ibrahim Akintayo, for delivering the projects. He described them as another testament to the productive collaboration between the state and local governments.
According to him, the newly developed market and motor park have restored the once-busy commercial hub to its former glory, while providing traders and commuters with a safer and more conducive environment for business.
In his welcome address, Akintayo attributed the projects to Governor Makinde’s people-oriented policies, saying they would promote orderly transportation, stimulate commerce, create jobs, improve sanitation, provide a conducive business environment and boost the council’s internally generated revenue.
He urged transport unions, market associations, business owners and other users of the facilities to maintain cleanliness, prevent vandalism and comply with operational guidelines to ensure their sustainability.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, thanked the governor for his support for local councils and commended stakeholders for contributing to the successful completion of the projects and improving the ease of doing business in the state.
The event was attended by deputy governor, Adebayo Lawal; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; commissioners; Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Sikiru Oyedele-Sanda; Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Y.K. Abass; market leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other dignitaries.
