IFO LG : DELANO READS RIOT ACT TO ROADSIDE TRADERS, GIVES SEVEN-DAY ULTIMATUM

IFO LG: DELANO READS RIOT ACT TO ROADSIDE TRADERS, GIVES SEVEN-DAY ULTIMATUM

By Bola Akinlotan 

The Executive Chairman, Ifo Local Government, Hon. Chief (Mrs.) Kikelomo Aridunnu Delano has issued a stern warning to traders who sell their wares by the roadside and verges at Ifo end of the Lagos-Abeokuta express way to desist from the act or have their wares confiscated and owners prosecuted.

The Chairman gave the warning during a meeting with stakeholders held at the Local Government Secretariat on Monday, February 26, 2024.

Hon. Delano emphasized the negative impact posed by roadside vending on traffic flow, obstruction of pedestrian movement and safety, and the overall aesthetics of the market environment while stressing that such practices are illegal and will not be tolerated any longer. 

The Council Boss thereafter warned all traders currently occupying roadsides and verges in Ifo Market along the Lagos-Abeokuta express way to vacate their positions by Monday, March 4, 2024. 

The Chairman advised the affected individuals to explore alternative and legal means of conducting their businesses, such as designated stalls which were purposely constructed recently by her administration to accommodate the traders. 

The Council helmswoman also sounded a note of warning to transport unions within the market who have allocated spaces designated for parking of vehicles to traders to desist from such acts as such traders will be evacuated. 

Hon. Delano also expressed her disappointment on some miscreants who are exploiting the traders by impersonating the officials of the Local Government in extorting them to part with some money in order to allow them perform their trading activities at the roadside. She warned that the long hand of the law will soon catch up with them.

The Chairman however, seized the opportunity to reinstate her commitment in ensuring the safety and well-being of residents, shoppers and traders and creating a conducive environment for legitimate businesses to thrive in the Council area. She concluded by urging all stakeholders to cooperate with her administration in enforcing the directive and bring sanity to Ifo Market. 

Present at the meeting were the Vice Chairman, Hon. Oladapo Adebesin, Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Idris Kusimo, Head of Local Government Administration, Miss Olufunke Adeniji, Director Finance and Supply, Alhaji Wasiu Junaid, FCA, Acting Director of General Services and Administration, Prince Lekan Olanire and the Head of Information Department, Mr. Dele Ogunyemi. Others include representatives of Security Agencies within the Council area comprising The Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Federal Road Safety Corps, TRACE, Àmọ̀tẹ́kùn, Immigration as well as Parakoyi and other Market leaders including representatives of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria and National Union of Road Transport Workers.