Ekiti State Government has ordered roadside traders in Ado Ekiti, the State capital, to relocate to approved markets.

The State Commissioner for Information and Values Orientation, Mr. Akin Omole gave the order in a statement made available to newsmen 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 preventable outbreak of diseases.

The commissioner highlighted the disadvantages of roadside trading to include avoidable accidents with attendant loss of lives, unhygienic market

environments with health hazards, unnecessary damage of roads,

needless traffic congestion, unkempt view and increase in crime rate.

Mr Omole stated that the order was given after due consultations and in

agreement with the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe.

He added that government officials and a committee set up by the Ewi had 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 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, (akpu) 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 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 enforced 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 that occured in nearby Iworoko community when the driver of a

loaded trailer lost control and ran into a market killing many people

and destroying properties worth millions of Naira few years ago.

Oba Adejugbe urged residents of Ado Ekiti to obey the directive in the

interest of all stakeholders.

Amos Ogunrinde

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