700 Free Shops To Traders’ll Expedite Our Market Dev Agenda–Commissioner For Trade–Otunba Ojo Hails Makinde

700 Free Shops To Traders’ll Expedite Our Market Dev Agenda–Commissioner For Trade–Otunba Ojo Hails Makinde

Following the provision of 700 shops to traders in Ibadan by Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde, the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperative, Otunba Ademola Ojo has lauded the gesture describing it as commendable move towards fostering economic empowerment and grassroots development.

Otunba Ojo fondly called ‘Ijaya’ stated that the move which is strategic in the implementation of the Sustainable Development plan under Omitntun 2.0 would accelerate the actualization of the state government’s market development agenda.

A statement by the Commissioner on Saturday morning, March 22 indicates that the governor’s laudable move would help the ministry in no small measure in its ongoing exercise to properly integrate traders and artisans in the informal sector into the taxable net of the formal sector without placing any additional burden on the beneficiaries in particular.

The Ibarapa born former ALGON chairman in Oyo state as well as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Makinde explained that the 700 free shops to traders marked a significant milestone in the administration’s commitment to uplifting small-scale businesses and revitalizing local economies across the state.

In his words: “The provision of these shops comes as a breath of fresh air for many traders and artisans in Ibadan as well as established traders who often face significant financial barriers when seeking physical retail spaces.

“By eliminating the financial burden associated with renting or purchasing shops, Governor Makinde’s administration is not only supporting the growth of individual businesses with this commendable gesture but also promoting a more inclusive and vibrant commercial landscape.”

The Commissioner emphasized the transformative impact of the free shops to traders. He equally highlighted how the move aligns with the administration’s broader agenda of promoting economic sustainability and reducing poverty levels while generating employment that engenders self reliance.

Otunba Ojo added that the 700 free shops would provide access to affordable retail spaces and also empower traders to expand their commercial capabilities, while increasing their abilities to diversify in their lines of trade.

“By prioritizing the needs of small-scale traders with such mouthwatering free offer, His Excellency, Governor Makinde has clearly demonstrated an uncommon commitment to grassroots market development and inclusive governance that adequately captures operators of both formal and informal sectors of the state economy.

“At the ministry, we’re already implementing a number of our agenda in line with the Governor’s Sustainable Development plan particularly in the area of market development, and this gesture has further reaffirmed the unwavering determination of His Excellency, to accomplish the set out plans and that’s what we are also committed to achieve.

“I can only urge and appeal to the beneficiaries of the free shops to note that it costs government quite a fortune to put these shops in place and it is obligatory on them to reciprocate such laudable gesture by being responsive and contribute to the economy of the state so that the governor can do more.” The Commissioner added.