Wale Jagun & Temitope Mistura Owolabi (SIWES Student)
-Otunba Abiru warns traders against street trading, selling of substandard goods
Olorunda market in Ebute-Ipakodo area of Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area has been adjudged as the cleanest and best market in Ikorodu division for 2019 by the Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS).
The officials of the market was presented with the award at the Market Women & Men/Artisan’s Day which was part of the activities commemorating the 2019 Ikorodu-Oga Day Carnival.
The event was held at the Ayangbure palace on Thursday, November 14, 2019.
The carnival-like event also witnessed various markets across the six councils in Ikorodu division taking turns to pay homage to His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, with various gift items including big cow, fresh fish of different sizes, snails, bags of rice, bags of garri, standing fans among many others.
Some of the market and artisan groups present were Ayangbure Market Association, Ajina, Obun-Ale, Amuludun Owolowo Men/Women Market Association, Asejere Modern Market Ikorodu, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ikorodu Division, Owoseni Sholafu Market, Ikorodu Grinders Ikorodu Division , Charcoal Marketers lkorodu Division , Ajegbayi Benson Market, Gberigbe Orelade Market, Nigerian Union of Tailors, Temidire Market Association, Owolowo Benson community, Ifesowapo Goat and Ram Butchers Association, Ikorodu Divisional Ram and Cow Sellers Association and Goat Dealers Association.
Meanwhile, IKODASS Chairman, Otunba Ganiyu Olusegun Abiru, while speaking at the event, commended the market women and men and artisans in Ikorodu for their support and roles being played in developing the society.
“It’s a delightful feeling to be here this afternoon, particularly today that we are celebrating the market men/women as well as the artisans in our community.
“On behalf of our Royal Majesty, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi (GCOI), his wife, Olori Kudirat Abosede Shotobi (the Treasure of our time), executive members of IKODASS, I express our profound gratitude for the support given to us by these two groups. It’s my prayer that the Lord Almighty will continue to bless your endeavors” Otunba Abiru prayed.
“It’s no gainsaying that we cannot talk about the prosperity of a nation without taking into consideration the strategic importance of the market men/women and also the artisans in moving our economy forward, hence, the recognition and celebration being accorded you today”.
He charged traders to obey government regulations regarding market sanitation while also warning them not to carry out their trading activities on the road as directed by the government.
Otunba Abiru also advised the traders not to engage in the selling of substandard products to customers.
“I will have to say that much is expected from you in dealing with your customers. Honesty and truthfulness must be the twin words that should regulate the conduct of your business with your customers.
“We must not because of the desire to make quick money impose unnecessary burdens on customers either by cheating them or selling substandard goods which may be injurious to them. The artisans must be considerate in charging for services rendered. We must have the fear of God in our transactions with our fellow human beings”, he warned.
“I equally want to appeal to our market men and women to always obey government regulations on street trading and avoid display of wares right in the middle of the road. Aside from the fact that this impedes free flow of traffic, it’s also dangerous to lives and properties.
“May I inform you that the local government is now determined to rid our walkways and roads of wares and goods and any trader found culpable will face the wrath of the law”, Otunba Abiru stated.
In his royal message, Oba Shotobi, whose speech was full of of prayers, enjoined the traders and artisans to unite in their respective markets and work towards the development of Ikorodu.
Mr Olaoye Olaribigbe Amaka, Chairman, Firewood Association, Agric, Owutu and Mrs Modinat Adenekan, a trader in Ikorodu, were honoured with awards in recognition of their contributions towards development of markets in Ikorodu while Mrs Monsurat Banjoko emerged the best Ibile (local) dancer in the dancing competition that was held at the event.
