The Oyo State Government has compelled roadside traders to disengage from street trading within the next seven days, with effect from Tuesday, January 5th, 2021 to Tuesday 12th, January 2021.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr Idowu Oyeleke, gave the directive on behalf of the State government, while sensitizing the roadside traders at Molete under bridge, Challenge, Ringroad and Eleyele market in Ibadan, the State capital, saying the present administration has zero-tolerance for street trading, because of the hazards associated with the act.
Oyeleke decried the environmental nuisance constituted by the traders who display their wares on roadsides, an act which he said is at the detriment of the safety of the traders and buyers, noting that trailers and other vehicles had at various times lost control and killed roadside traders within the Ibadan Metropolis and other parts of the State.
Clean and Green Initiative
The Commissioner also emphasized the Clean and Green Initiative of the State government, which he maintained should be embraced by all and sundry, so as to add aesthetics to many of the major roads and also to check traffic gridlock caused by street traders.
He said Governor Makinde has fulfilled his promise not to rid the major roads around markets in Oyo State of street traders until alternative spaces and shops were created for them, which according to him, has been done at the Scout Camp Neighborhood market, among others.
Oyeleke stated: “Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier stated that provisions would be made for street traders before disengaging them from the streets. To that effect, the Scout Camp Neighbourhood market have been made available for the traders to occupy free of charge this year, while they will also be enjoying the essential amenities in the market such as the generating plant, borehole water supply and security of the market.”
He further said traders should visit the Ministry of Trade for proper allocation of shops and hinted that it has become an offence for anybody to sell on the roadside starting from next week, as anyone caught would face the wrath of the law.
Emmanuel Ukoh
