Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Monday reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach the grassroots by inaugurating an ultramodern market at Omi-Adio, Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ultramodern market is made up of 406 locked-up shops and 56 open stalls.
Makinde, represented by Deputy Gov. Adebayo Lawal, said the gesture was to fulfil his campaign promise to relocate roadside traders to befitting shops.
“We want those selling by the roadside to quit and come into the market space to ensure their safety,” he said.
He urged the market leaders to allocate the shops per person rather than allocating more than one to a person, thereby abusing the process.
“As for those who are displaced in the process of removing them from the streets, they must be attended to first before others.
“Those who are still selling by the roadside should quit, because the government doesn’t want to pursue anyone; they all must come into the market,” Makinde said.
The governor also advised market leaders to ensure adequate security of the market by not allowing people to use it as a sleeping place.
He said the market and its environment must always be clean.
The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa 1, who was the royal father of the occasion, appreciated the governor for his efforts on the market.
Ladoja described the market as a welcome development, urging that such should be extended to Bode, Gege and other markets in Ibadan.
He advised the recent protesters of the Ibadan circular road to engage the state government in a dialogue to settle the matter amicably.
The Chairman of Ido Local Government Area, Mr Sheriff Adeojo, said that the project was to enable the masses to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
According to Adeojo, the gesture is to fulfil the campaign promises of the governor in ensuring a safe and secure market for traders in the state.
“Omi-Adio market will be moved from the roadside to the new Omituntun Ultramodern Market with 406 locked-up shops and 56 open stalls.
“The new market was donated by the Oloomi Traditional Council to the Ido Local Government,” Adeojo said.
He appealed to the traders to make judicious use of the new market.
Truthng reports that dignitaries at the occasion include Chief Niyi Akintola, community, traditional and religious leaders.
Several market men and women associations were also in attendance.
