The Executive Chairman of Ifo Local Government, Hon. Idris Kusimo, has issued a stern warning to traders against displaying their goods on road verges, citing safety concerns and traffic disruptions. The Chairman made the call during a meeting with market leaders from the Egba zone of Ogun State, held on Wednesday at the Local Government Secretariat.
The meeting, attended by market leaders, government officials, and stakeholders, was aimed at addressing the persistent issue of roadside trading. Hon. Kusimo emphasized the dangers posed by such practices, including traffic congestion, accidents, and potential loss of lives and properties.
“While we understand the economic pressures faced by our traders, safety must not be compromised for convenience. Displaying wares on road verges endangers lives and disrupts traffic, leading to avoidable accidents,” the Chairman stated.
To tackle the problem, Hon. Kusimo announced plans to provide additional market spaces and improve existing facilities to accommodate more traders. He urged market leaders to enforce compliance with designated trading areas and warned that goods displayed in unauthorized spaces would be confiscated.
In a move to support traders, the Chairman unveiled a six-month health insurance policy for market men and women under the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme. The Local Government will cover the first six months of the one-year plan, while traders are expected to pay the remaining half.
Alhaja Chief (Mrs.) Oluwakemi Abeke Oloyede, the Iyaloja of Egbaland, who led the market leaders, commended Hon. Kusimo for his intervention and pledged to collaborate with the government to address the challenges. She also thanked Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his developmental initiatives, while appealing for improved infrastructure and security in market areas.
The meeting also resolved leadership disputes within some markets in Ifo Local Government. The Iyaloja of Egbaland clarified that Mrs. Taiwo Akinsola should cease parading herself as “Iyaloja General” of Ifo, as the position is not recognized in Ogun State’s market administration. She affirmed that Chief (Mrs.) Mobolaji Sherifat Olaiya and Alhaja Ayisat Olajogun Olajumoke remain the recognized Iyalojas for Ifo Constituencies one and two, respectively.
The event was attended by the Vice Chairman, Hon. (Mrs.) Abibat Ojo; the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. (Mrs.) Temitope Adegboyega; and the Head of Local Government Administration, Mr. Fatai Ogundele. Other attendees included Chief Rasheed Ogunbowale, General Secretary of the Town Hall, Ifo, and Chief AbdulHameen Aremu, the Parakoyi of Ifo Market, alongside several market leaders from Egbaland.
Hon. Kusimo reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of traders and residents, promising continued efforts to create a conducive environment for economic activities in Ifo Local Government.
