Ekiti State Government, has banned all roadside trading activities and ordered roadside traders in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, to relocate to approved markets without further delay.
Mr Akin Omole, Commissioner for Information and Values Orientation, made this known on Wednesday in Ado Ekiti. Omole stated that the government’s order was given after due consultations and in agreement with the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejuyigbe.
He said government officials, in conjunction with a committee set up by the Oba had earlier been going round to sensitize all stakeholders on the need to relocate to new and existing markets within the metropolis.
The statement quoted the Oba as supporting the government’s decision and that the ban on roadside trading was to forestall a repeat of the disaster the occurred in nearby Iworoko community last year when the driver of a loaded trailer lost control and ran into a market killing many people and destroyed property worth millions of Naira.
The Commissioner however noted that the directive does not affect traders in approved shops and stalls.
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.
He stressed that government frowned at the practice of roadside trading, describing it as detrimental to the safety of both sellers and buyers as well as constitutes environmental nuisance,
The Commissioner added that the practice was also working against the collective plans of the state for urban renewal and development.
He highlighted other negative consequences 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, as well as unkempt view and increase in crime rate.
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.
All wheelbarrow hawkers and Used Clothes sellers (Okrika) are to move to Agric Olope, while New shoes sellers are to move to Awedele market. Similarly, livestock (Chickens, goats, pigs) are to ove to Adere market, soup ingredients to Awedele market, fruits sellers to Awedele and Agric Olope markets while new clothes sellers selling along Ado Ekiti streets should relocate to Awedele and Oja Agric Olope markets.
He however stressed that all occupiers of Atikankan area must vacate the place and relocate to designated markets. He said the commitment of the present administration to the development of the state and the welfare of the people.
Omole warned that the directive would be strictly enforced without fear or favour, warning that erring traders would be made to face the wrath of the law.
