Oyo govt urges traders to sustain unity for economic growth

The Oyo State Government has urged traders across the state to continue promoting unity, peaceful coexistence, and cooperation to ensure a stable and thriving business environment.

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Alhaja Faosat Joke Sanni, appealed while receiving members of the Babaloja General in Council and representatives of the state’s seven geopolitical zones at the ministry’s office in Ibadan.

Speaking during the meeting, Sanni described the visit as an opportunity to deepen collaboration between the government and the trading community. She noted that traders remain key stakeholders in Oyo State’s economic development and stressed the need for sustained peace and harmony across markets.

The Commissioner urged market leaders to remain united and maintain close collaboration with the government, emphasising that dialogue and mutual understanding are essential for resolving disputes whenever differences arise.

She also encouraged traders to channel their grievances through established leadership structures, assuring them of the ministry’s readiness to address issues affecting their businesses. Sanni warned against the spread of misinformation and actions capable of disrupting peace in markets across the state.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to traders’ welfare and business growth, she assured the delegation that their requests would be forwarded to Governor Seyi Makinde for consideration.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Olajide Mamud Okesade, commended the Babaloja General-in-Council for promoting unity and effective coordination among traders. He said organised and peaceful markets are vital to economic growth and pledged the ministry’s continued support for initiatives that strengthen market operations.

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Earlier, the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Abass Yekini Oladapo, appreciated the Commissioner for the warm reception. 

He said the council’s engagements across the state had strengthened unity, cooperation, and understanding among traders, while reaffirming its commitment to improving traders’ welfare and expanding business opportunities in all 33 local government areas.

Speaking on behalf of the seven geopolitical zones, the market representatives congratulated the commissioner on her appointment and pledged their support for the state government’s initiatives.

They described the inauguration of the Babaloja General-in-Council as a significant milestone in strengthening market leadership and coordination.

The representatives also acknowledged the government’s efforts to support traders and promote inclusiveness, while appealing for the provision of buses for the market zones and the office of the Babaloja General to improve coordination of activities across the state.