RADIO NIGERIA
Ekiti State Government has ordered roadside traders in Ado Ekiti, the State capital, to relocate to approved markets.
The Commissioner for Information and Values Orientation, Mr. Akin Omole gave the order in a statement in Ado Ekiti.
He explained that the directive was for the safety of the people from avoidable accidents, improved hygiene in market places and to forestall outbreak of diseases.
The commissioner highlighted the disadvantages of roadside trading to include avoidable accidents with attendant loss of lives, unhygienic markete environments with health hazards, unnecessary damage of roads,n needless traffic congestion, unkempt view and increase in crime rate.
Mr Omole stated that the order was given after due consultations and ina agreementwith the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe.
He added that government officials and a committee set up by the Ewi have been going round to sensitize all stakeholders on the need to relocate to new and existing markets within the state capital.
The Commissioner noted that the directive did not affect traders in approved shops and stalls.
According to him, maize Sellers currently selling on the roads around Oja Bisi are to move to Awedele market and Agric Olope, Yam Sellers along Irona to also move to Awedele and Agric Olope while fufu Sellers along Okesa market should immediately move to Ajowa market.
Also, all wheelbarrow hawkers and Used Clothes sellers (Okrika) are to move to Agric Olope, New shoes sellers to Awedele market, livestock (Chickens, goats, pigs) to Adere market, soup ingredients to Awedele market, fruits sellers to Awedele and Agric Olope markets while new clothes sellers selling along Ado Streets should relocate to Awedele and Oja Agric Olope markets.
He however directed all occupiers of Atikankan to vacate the place and relocate to designated markets.
Mr Omole who stressed the commitment of the Fayemi led administration to the development of the State and the welfare of the people, however warned that the directive would be strictly enforce without fear or favour, saying that erring traders would be made to face the wrath of the law.
In his remarks, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe said the decision to ban roadside trading was to forestall a repeat of the disaster the occured in nearby Iworoko community when the driver of a loaded trailer lost control and ran into a market killing many people and destroyed properties worth millions of Naira few years ago.
Oba Adejugbe urged residents of Ado Ekiti to obey the directive in the interest of all.