Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has given a two-week ultimatum to road side traders at Bisi Market, Kings Market and other strategic places in Ado- Ekiti, the state capital, to relocate to the newly completed ultra-modern Agric Olope Market.
Oyebanji, who gave the directive on Thursday during a meeting with market women at the Palace of Ewi of Ado Ekiti, said all traders operating on unauthorised roadside spaces must relocate to the newly completed market on or before the 23rd of June or face the full wrath of the law.
Stressing the importance of Ado-Ekiti as the state capital and the attendant economic and infrastructural development, the governor urged the traders to support his administration’s policy of order and safety in the city, adding that street trading poses health and safety hazards to the people.
He explained that the newly completed market is equipped with all the facilities needed for a comfortable and efficient trading experience – which include water supply, modern toilets, good road network, security infrastructure, warehouses, solar light for night trading and other essential amenities tailored to meet traders’ needs.
While appreciating the traders for their willingness to relocate, the governor assured them that his government remains committed to making life better for the citizens and ensuring that Ado Ekiti becomes a smart and modern city.
“Today’s meeting is just to consult with market women, we just completed an ultra-modern market for them and we want them to move to the market and this speaks to our belief in consultation than using force to move them. I discussed with Ewi and the Ewi-in-Council and we agreed to bring the market women to the palace so that we can have an agreement.
“We are in democracy and democracy requires consultation, we don’t want to use force on those that brought us to office and I am happy that we were able to reach a consensus. They have promised to move without force and by the middle of the month they will start moving.
“The market was built to their taste, we met with them and they told us what they wanted and we have done it. We have provided water, toilet, security, warehouses, parking space and other things to make them comfortable”;, the governor said.
Speaking of what will happen to defaulters, the governor said, “I don’t expect anybody to default, but within a group of people there are some that will not want to align with us. We will enforce the agreement reached here today that they have to stop street trading, it is not healthy, it is not safe and they don’t even get to make money.
“So if anybody goes against the agreement reached today, such a person will face the full weight of the law.”;
Earlier in her welcome address, the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment, and cooperatives, Mrs Tayo Adeola, who commended Governor Oyebanji for his visionary leadership in completing the ultra-modern Agric Olope Market with state-of-the-art facilities, noted that the market stands as a testament to the governor’s commitment to improving the welfare of traders and enhancing the commercial landscape of Ado Ekiti.
Adeola urged the traders to begin obtaining forms for the allocation of shops and spaces in the new market, starting from next week Tuesday.
