Oyo Deputy Governor, IBSWLG Chairman Visit Bode Market, Assure Traders of Government Support

The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal, on Tuesday led a government delegation to Bode Market, Ibadan South West Local Government, to assess the impact of the recent fire incident and assure traders of the state government’s support.

He was received at the market by the Chairman of Ibadan South West Local Government, Hon. Kehinde Akande, market leaders, and affected traders.

Addressing the marketers, Barr. Lawal sympathized with them over the losses and said Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration is committed to the welfare of traders and the development of markets across the state.

“We are here on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde to see things for ourselves and to let you know that government is with you in this trying time. We understand that this market is a major economic hub not only for Ibadan South West but for Oyo State,” the Deputy Governor said.

Barr. Lawal directed that a *holistic record of all shops affected* be compiled immediately to enable the government to determine the appropriate intervention and relief package for the victims.

He urged the market leadership and Ibadan South West LG to work together to capture accurate data of traders, shop numbers, and the extent of damage within 7 days.

“Government needs proper data to plan effectively. We don’t want anyone to be left out. The enumeration must be thorough and transparent,” he added.

The Chairman, Ibadan South West LG, Hon. Kehinde Akande, in his remarks, appreciated the Deputy Governor for the prompt visit. He pledged that the local government would coordinate with market leaders to ensure the data collection is completed on time.

“We will not leave our people alone. We will work with the Baba Loja and Iya Loja to get the full list so that government assistance can get to the right people,” Hon. Akande said.

Market leaders who spoke at the meeting thanked the state government for the visit and appealed for urgent support to help traders get back to business. They also called for improved fire safety measures in the market.

Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Asiwaju Yekini Abass Oladapo, popularly known as Alhaji Y.K. Abass also joined the market men and woman on the entourage to the affected shops and he seek for more assistance from the goverment.

The Deputy Governor toured some of the affected sections of Bode Market and interacted with traders whose shops were razed.

The delegation also included officials from the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency and the Ministry of Trade and Investment.