In Oyo, roadside traders get seven days ultimatum to vacate

From Stella Obi, Ibadan

Oyo State Government has given roadside traders across the state seven days to vacate.

Commissioner, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Idowu  Oyeleke gave the directive on behalf of the state government while sensitising the road side traders  on Monday, at Molete under bridge, Challenge, Ringroad and Eleyele Markets in Ibadan, reiterating that the present administration has zero tolerance for street trading because of the hazards associated with the act.

Oyeleke said the affected traders had until Jan. 12, to vacate the roadsides, adding that erring traders will face the wrath of the law after the expiration of the deadline.

The commissioner decried the environmental nuisance constituted by the road side traders by displaying their wares on the roadside; an act which he said was at the detriment of the safety of the traders and buyers.

“There have been reports of trailers and other vehicles losing control and killing roadside traders within Ibadan metropolis and other parts of Oyo State’, he said.

The government also emphasised the clean and green initiative which he maintained, should be embraced by all and sundry so as to add aesthetics on many of the major roads and also to check traffic gridlock caused by street traders.

The commissioner said the state governor had 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.

“It would be recalled that 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 Neighborhood Market has 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, bore hole water supply and security of the market,” he added.

Dr. Oyeleke further said that traders should visit the Ministry of Trade for proper allocation of the shops.

He 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.