Hon Oscar IK Paul Odogwu is the president Balogun Business Association (BBA/ICC)Trade Fair Complex, Lagos state.
Recently, He spoke on his one-year in office as the president of the market, highlighting the numerous challenges and how he was able to address some challenges hitherto facing the traders.
On the 22nd of November you will be one year in office. How has the journey been?
Actually, to the glory of God, it has been progressing, but at the same time, too, it has been quite challenging. Giving the circumstances that we came on board, the Old Caretaker Committee (CTC), which is the Caretaker Committee that was in place, when we came in, are still running from pillars to post. From one police station to the other trying everything possible to make sure that they frustrate our efforts or to try to return again. I don’t even know what they are seeking because they just have only two months.having spent close to 3 years in office before we took over after protracted legal tussle. And the court finally ruled that we were the legitimate persons to steer the affair of the complex.
So to the glory of God on the 22nd, we shall roll out the drums to celebrate 1 year in office as the president of this market association with notable achievements.
Can you mention some of this achievements?
In all parts of the market as I speak, there is discipline and orderliness. We clean up the environment by providing parking spaces for vehicles. We have solar powered street lights, Virtually when you come here at night, everywhere is well illuminated. So we actually brought decorum in the complex and sense of direction. and more customers are actually patronizing us this time around.
In area of Environment, what have you done to restore orderliness?
Yes, you can see that our drainages are thru now. We clean up drainages. Formerly each time it rain, roads leading to the market are flooded. But now,after few minutes, the water will just recede without any havoc. So this is a notable achievement because for years that we have been at the complex,, it has been very hard for us each time it rains.but now we have overcome that problem and work is in progress to ensure that we maintain the current standard of zero flooding at the market.
When I came into the market complex, I noticed that power has been restored and noise of generator reduced, what is the secret behind this development?
Actually when we came on board, for six years, the complex was without light as it was disconnected from the power grid. We have to go into partnership with EkDC on how to restore steady power to the market.
After series of meetings, backlog of debt owed EkDC was cleared. the result is what you are with messing today as steady electricity has been restored to thee market complex. we are now on band B and enjoy up to 18 hours of electricity supply.
Now looking at the area of security, would you say that you have been able to tackle it?
When a good leader comes on board, his first task would be to rejig the security apparatus which we did and it is still very effective. We have Dark 1 A security on board and they have been up and doing. and we were able to bust the syndicate that specialists in breaking and entry within the market. They were nabbed and are now cooling their feet in Kirikiri prisons.
So as we arrested the gang leader and about six of them, we abolished touting inside the market. You can never see any layabout in the market. Anybody coming inside the complex must be gainfully employed or have something reasonable to do if not we rusticate you from the complex. And there is no more place for them to hide because all the shanties and black spots have been demolished and that’s actually why we are enjoying this decorum. so securitywise, we advice our people to install Jam lock keys in in their shops and ware houses. For the fact that we installed Solar lights in the nook and cronies of the market, it assists the security operatives at night. So it would be difficult for anybody to come here at night to burgle shops. So security is top notch right inside the Complex.
What has been your relationship with the government?
We parley well. At the same time, I want to thank the Executive Director of Trade Fair management Board in person of Barrister Veronica Ndanusa. She is an amazing woman. You can see that she is performing excellently within the complex.Ome is that she is seeing you the welfare of the Trade Fair complex, then she brought in the chairman, House Committee on Trade to the complex and they have promised to take care of the 5 kilometers road within the complex which is something we has been aspiring for long time ago.
She was also able to bring back the annual international trade fair back to it’s original site. the trade only took place their about 14 years ago. So the Trade Fair which started on the 15th November and to end on the 26 is ongoing, So this are things that are credited to her.
She was also to bring in the minister of Trade to officially open the fair on the 15th. Through we have gotten appointment with the state governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.. Soon we are going to meet him in order to table what we think will be of benefit to the state band the complex. So we are partners with government in kob creation and poverty eradication.Definatly, government can not play with such a place and I believe government will leave up to expectations.
How will the return of International Trade Fair to it’s permanent site impact on the business at BBA?
Definitely Millions of people will come to know that we are here. When they visit the Fair, they will also branch here to see what we also have in stock. Virtually, we sell everything. We have Balogun, ASPAMDA, Mandilas, Jewelry market and other articles shops. Definitely it would boost sales and will make people to know us better.
What are some challenges you have faced within the one year of your administration?
I wouldn’t say that there are much challenges but somehow, challenges is challenge and one challenge can amount to many others.But somehow we have tried in every way possible to contain it.
Most of the challenges are man made which you know, we have to stand up to it. infact, that’s what make man a leader.When challenges come your ability to surmount it makes you a successful person. So we are trying our best to keep going and to keep our head above water.
How doo you intend to engage the youths in the market through sports competition?
Actually we planned on having football competition this year but it to the fact that things are jam packed and we are yet to settle down, we have to let the youths know that from next year, we shall inaugurated yearly football tournament. through this means we will be able to fish out talents in sports and entertainment.
How has the market been coping with the harsh economic environment?
We are traders, somehow, we are adjusting to survive the hard time. Because most of our good s are imported, so it is difficult to procure forex for our transaction .It also affect us in that power of purchase is reduced .By and large we have continued to adjust where necessary to ensure that we remain in business.