…to relocate traders from the old hazardous site along the expressway

As part of efforts to put a permanent end to the incessant vehicular accidents at the old Iworoko-Ekiti market location resulting in the premature death of several people in the area over the years, the Chairman of Ifedara Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Lawrence Ogunsanya on Monday officially laid the foundation of the highly anticipated new Iworoko Modern market consisting of 50 open stores, lock up shops and one big storage facility, borehole and Security Posts with perimeter fencing.

Speaking during the ceremony, Hon. Ogunsanya explained that the focus of Government is to relocate the existing market from the main road which is a dual-carriageway to safeguard lives and properties of the people by reducing the risks of accidents.

Ogunsanya said that the new market would provide modern, well-equipped spaces for roadside traders, offering them the opportunity to move their businesses into permanent shops, thereby enhancing both commerce and urban aesthetics in the area without the likelihood of being run-over by vehicles as had been the case near the expressway.

He said “the project will put a permanent end to incessant accidents occurring at the old Iworoko market location resulting in untimely death of our people in Iworoko Ekiti. For those that lost their lives in the accidents, may their souls rest in peace.

The Council boss expressed gratitude to the State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji for his support and making the project a reality.

He also thanked the Regent of Iworoko-Ekiti, Princess Bolanle Ogundola; the Alaworoko-in-Council, the Iworoko Progressive Union and other stakeholders that contributed to the provision of the market site.

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Local Government, Chief Folorunso Olabode said that the Government was deeply concern over the dangers of heavy traffic faced by roadside traders, particularly those along the expressways, often risking their lives and livelihoods which led to the ban on roadside trading.

Chief Olabode added that the Iworoko market project is in tandem with and a continuation of efforts of the Oyebanji administration to provide conducive markets spaces for traders and consumers in the State.

He however urged people in the State to continue to support effort of Government to make life more meaningful for them by taking ownership of projects in their various areas for proper maintenance and sustainability.

The Regent of the Iworoko Ekiti Princess Bolanle Ogundola who could not hide her joy, said that the relocation of the market to the new site at Odo-Oyi would restore safety of life and property to the town as it will put an end to the incessant death of innocent people of Iworoko Ekiti from persistent multiple accidents experienced at the accident prone old market area.

Also speaking at the occasion, House of Assembly member representing Irepodun Ifelodun Constituency two, Rt. Hon. Akeem Jamiu reiterated the commitment of the State Assembly to the safety of life and properties of people in the State.

Rt. Hon. Jamiu said the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye and the entire members of the Assembly were excited about the plan to relocate the market and would continue to support all efforts concerning the welfare of the people.

It could be recalled that there had been a number of accidents, mostly involving heavy-duty trucks, around the old market area including one that claimed many lives in 2018.

In another development, the Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government in Ekiti State, Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi has empowered no fewer than 200 of his constituents with gifts that will enable them to start businesses or expand existing ones.

Items distributed include eight sewing machines, eight grinding machines, 40 sprayers, eight make-up kits, 40 clippers, 14 rechargeable standing fans, 10 generators, motorbike, first aid boxes, security equipment and seven hair dryers as well as 100 packs of food items and cash gifts of 10,000 to 60 indigents.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Oluwatuyi said he organized the event to give back to his constituents and empower them to start or expand existing businesses.

Hon. Oluwatuyi added that the empowerment programme was also to encourage the people to live up to their responsibilities as good citizens who have been exercising their voting rights.

He advised the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items given to them, stressing that the essence of the empowerment programme was to make the beneficiaries self-sufficient.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Abosede Akomolafe and Funmilayo Adeyeye, described the equipment given to them as a life-changing opportunity that came at the right time.

They expressed gratitude to the Council Chairman and promised to judiciously utilize the items given to them.

The beneficiaries also lauded the efforts of Governor Oyebanji to rapidly develop the State and improve the lot of the people, noting that his administration’s unprecedented developmental strides is positively impacting on all and sundry with no sector left untouched.

“We will forever be grateful to him and pray that he continues in office for the second term”, they said.