Oyo Government Engages Stakeholders on Market Security, Organization

The Oyo State Government convened a crucial stakeholders’ meeting to address pressing concerns regarding market security and organization.

Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, Honourable Adeniyi Adebisi, highlighted the government’s directive to reinforce market security and reorganize all markets within Oyo State to foster a safer trading environment.

He emphasized that the engagement was a direct outcome of the resolutions made at the State Executive Council meeting on March 4, 2025.

He assured attendees that the government would adopt a structured approach in resolving the ongoing Iyaloja leadership matter, similar to the resolution of the Babaloja issue, by establishing an advisory council.

He encouraged traders to collaborate, exchange ideas, and remain vigilant in detecting suspicious activities.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Honourable Ademola Ojo, commended the Government’s proactive stance.

He underscored the significance of market organization in distinguishing legitimate traders from miscreants, ultimately strengthening security.

He called on all stakeholders, including local government chairmen, to cooperate with traders in creating a safer and more orderly market atmosphere.

Special Adviser on Security Matters, Retired Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni, stressed the importance of collaboration between traders and security agencies to curb rising criminal activities in markets.

Citing incidents such as the Bodija crisis, he urged traders and landlords to enhance surveillance within market premises.

He also pointed out recent fire outbreaks in Ibadan markets, emphasizing that lack of proper organization often exacerbates such disasters.

CSP Fawole Bukola, representing the Commissioner of Police, and Dr. Morohunkola Thomas, Director-General of the Oyo State Mobilization Agency for Socio-Economic Development, echoed the call for enhanced collaboration.

They urged market leaders to maintain close relationships with authorities and promptly report suspicious activities.

Also, Consultant on Data Enumeration, Mr. Dayo Bello, highlighted the importance of accurate data collection and trader registration as a tool for improving security and market organization.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, Mr. Olajide Okesade, reinforced the necessity for traders to comply with government policies on market registration.

He also emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue among stakeholders to efficiently address market-related challenges.

Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Y. K. Abass, expressed gratitude for the government’s commitment to improving market conditions.

He pledged full cooperation from market leaders to implement necessary reforms and enhance security.

He also commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his leadership and unwavering dedication to traders’ welfare.

The event brought together key figures from various sectors as part of a strategic initiative to enhance safety and orderliness in markets across the state.

The stakeholders’ meeting marked a significant step towards addressing key challenges, including insecurity, fire outbreaks, and miscreant activities in Oyo State’s markets.

With a renewed commitment to collaboration and proper market organization, the government aims to create a safer and more prosperous trading environment for all.