Osun govt enforces ban of roadside, walkway trading

Osun govt enforces ban of roadside, walkway trading

. .As Oyetola celebrates Sultan of Sokoto @ 66

BLESSING AKOROWOSI, Osogbo

Osun State Government has announced the ban of displaying wares on the roads and pedestrian walkways.

This, according to the government is a measure to ensure safety in the markets and on the roads.

According to a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Funke Egbemode, on Tuesday, the ban became necessary because of growing traffic snarl and danger to everybody using the markets.

Egbemode noted that the government has immediately set up a Special Task Force that will ensure compliance with safe conducts in the markets and ensure the safety of road users.

She called on all traders and their customers to comply with the directive as the Task Force team will operate without prior notice and those arrested will be prosecuted swiftly.

Egbemode said, “Osun state government is worried about the increasing danger that roadside display of wares is posing to its residents and citizens.

“The State Executive Council today set up a Special Task Force to stop the trend. This team will pay unscheduled visits to the markets and arrest those obstructing traffic with their wares. The team will work with the Federal Road Safety Corps and other law enforcement agencies to ensure safety in our markets.

“The state can no longer fold its arms  while some traders in our markets, especially weekly markets take over the motorways and pedestrian walkways with their wares. The ugly and unsafe trend must stop.

“This directive has become pertinent in view of increasing bottlenecks and security breach along market corridors, with vehicular and pedestrian traffic now contending for space amid trading activities on the same spots.

“Traders and artisans who have encroached on the main road and walkways with their wares are hereby directed to vacate such unauthorised trading spots with immediate effect.

“This move is in the interest of all residents, as the safety of Osun citizens remains a priority of the government. It is, therefore, necessary for all concerned to work with the government to end this unsafe practice.”

Meanwhile, Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola has felicitated the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, on the occasion of his 66th birthday celebration.

Oyetola in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, described the foremost traditional ruler as an exemplary leader and bridge builder who continues to promote national unity, tolerance, peace and security of the country.

The governor also lauded the Sultan for his fatherly roles in advocating religious tolerance, good governance and for always offering wise and objective counsels to political leaders.

He said: “On behalf of my family, the government and people of Osun, I join family, friends, associates, wellwishers and the rest of the country to felicitate the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III on the occasion of his 66th birthday anniversary.

“The Sultan of Sokoto is an exemplary traditional ruler and bridge builder who continues to promote national unity, tolerance, peace and security of Nigeria. I commend his uprightness as a leader and his fatherly roles in advocating religious tolerance, good governance, and for always offering wise and objective counsel to political leaders across all levels of government.

“As a man of the people, the Sultan has the interest of the masses at heart and always advocate their welfare and wellbeing. His humility, exemplary leadership attributes and love for the country and the people are worthy of emulation.