Displaced Agodi Gate traders to get free stalls in new market

The street traders who were displaced by the junction improvement works at Agodi Gate in Ibadan will be given free stalls in the new market built in the area.

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State disclosed this on Friday while inaugurating the junction improvement projects at Idi Ape, Civic Centre and Agodi Gate, which were executed by his government.

He said the market stalls were built as part of the project.

The governor said the stalls were, to accommodate all the 700 traders who were hitherto displaying their wares on the street at the Agodi Gate where the improvement works took place.

“Nobody will collect one Naira from you. This means 700 of you will be moving out of the street into this place.

“We are inaugurating these three junction improvement works at Agodi Gate, Civic Centre and Idi Ape because these projects will reduce the time spent in traffic in Ibadan,” he added.

The governor noted that the project would also ease traffic flow and contribute to boosting commercial activities in the axis.

Makinde went on to warn the traders and others in the area about illegal dumping of reduce and taking up space on the street.

He added that the project would help the government to enforce the rule of law regarding street trading and orderliness in the city.

“We can see how beautiful this environment is now and our plan is to keep it that way. Street trading and illegal dumping of refuse at road medians are two uncivil acts we must do away with as citizens.

“I have given a directive that anyone found carrying out such activities in this area should face the full wrath of the law,” the governor said.

He then assured that his administration would not relent in doing more for people of the state.

“As we celebrate this accomplishment, I vow to do more for our people because it is our belief that you will reciprocate by protecting this project,” Makinde said.

He appreciated his Anambra counterpart, Prof. Charles Soludo, who was part of those who witnessed the inauguration.

Makinde said Gov. Soludo’s presence in Ibadan showed that it was time to work together at this period in the life of the country.

“Rather than looking for what can divide the people, we should work together,” he said.