The Biodun Oyebanji-led government in Ekiti State has announced allocation of six-month rent-free stalls and shops for itinerant and street traders at the Oja Oba main market, Agric-Olope and Awedele markets.
The State Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Mrs. Omotayo Adeola who made this known during a bilingual audience participatory simulcast in both Ekiti and part of Ondo States, said that the gesture, which is in commemoration of the second anniversary of Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration in office, was part of efforts to rid the State of street trading, boost commercial activities and fill the vacant spaces and shops at the markets.
Stressing that purported high cost of renting shops would no longer be tenable for engaging in street-trading, the Commissioner explained that government is offering shop allocations on annual rent collection basis with an initial six-month rent-free period as against the previous 15-year lease arrangement that may be beyond the reach of an average petty trader.
Mrs. Adeola however added that traders would be responsible for utility bills, including electricity and sanitation services for proper cleaning and hygiene in the markets.
Adeola urged interested businesspersons to register and apply for space free of charge at the Facility Management Office on the First Floor of Oja Oba main Market, adding that they would only be required to submit their name, nature of trade, passport photograph and National Identification Number (NIN).
Warning that traders who already have shops in any of the markets are not qualified for the scheme, she also warned that shops already allocated but remained unused or utilized as warehouses would be forfeited to Government and reallocated to those in need of space to trade.
Adeola said more than one petty trader may collaborate to obtain a shop depending on the size of their business and suitability.
According to her, government would begin strict enforcement of the law prohibiting street trading in the State as soon as the allocation process is completed, stressing the commitment of the State Government to curbing the menace of street trading and prevent its inherent danger to traders and their customers as well as other road users.
“Government has spent a huge amount of money on the markets to boost economic activities in the State and we don’t want the money spent on fixing these markets to go to waste. We also want to protect street traders from accidents. The law against street trading will be enforced,” she said.
Lamenting the high cost of food items and the unfavorable trade pattern of disposing farm products in the State, the Commissioner said that the State Government had concluded arrangements to mop up excess food items during harvest period to ensure continuous supply chain at affordable prices all year round, stressing that Government would henceforth be involved in all agricultural chain activities from supply of farm inputs to the farmers and movement of agricultural products from the farms to the consumers in the interest of all stakeholders.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun noted that within two years, the administration, using its six-pillars as a roadmap, has not only started an agricultural revolution but has made significant strides in infrastructure development, healthcare, education and development of Micro, Small and Medium scale enterprises amongst others demonstrating a forward-thinking approach that places Ekiti as a model for other states.
Rt. Hon. Olatunbosun however solicited the continued support of residents for efforts of the State Government to rapidly develop the State and make life easier for the people.
Olatunbosun stressed the importance of avoiding vices that may be inimical to the growth of the State adding that issues like indiscriminate disposal of waste may jeopardize efforts of Government to prevent flooding and promote environmental sustainability.
Packaged by Mayowa Owogbade
