Gbagi-Ogunpa traders seek Makinde’s intervention over market infrastructure

Hundreds of traders at the popular Old Gbagi-Ogunpa Market in Ibadan North-West Local Government Area of Oyo have appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene in the provision of basic amenities and improved security in the market.

The traders, under the Gbagi-Ogunpa Joint Traders Association, said the lack of adequate lighting had left traders and passersby vulnerable to attacks, particularly at night.

The President of the association, Olaitan Adam Abiodun, made the appeal in an interview on the sidelines of the association’s 27th anniversary.

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He urged the governor to accord the market greater recognition and support, saying the facility had contributed significantly to the growth of commercial activities in Ibadan.

According to him, Old Gbagi Market played a major role in the emergence of other markets across the 11 local government areas of Ibadanland, but had remained largely underdeveloped.

He said, “Old Gbagi Market gave birth to other markets in the eleven local government areas of Ibadanland, but it is sad to note that it is underdeveloped.

“While other markets in the town are enjoying basic amenities, this cannot be said of Old Gbagi Market.

“When you come to the market around the evening time, the entire place will be in total darkness. This development has made the traders vulnerable to different attacks.

“The miscreants always hide under the cover of darkness to loot the warehouses and dispossess the passersby of their belongings.

“We are appealing to the government to assist us in our Lit up Gbagi and other projects that are being designed to reposition the market.”

Also speaking, the Financial Secretary of the association, Adesola Adesina, said traders were contributing to the state’s economy through the payment of taxes.

He urged the political leadership in the state to consider the contribution of traders to the economy and respond to their demands for improved infrastructure and security.