Kwara State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring adequate security of life and properties across the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Enterprise, Hajia Halimat Aduke Eletu made this disclosure while addressing stakeholders on the reformation of market security, environmental sanitation and opening and closing hours at the Ultramodern Market, Adewole in Ilorin.
Eletu advised the stakeholders to be very conscious on the issue of security in the market, especially on the operational hours of opening and closing of the market.
She expressed optimism that this new security arrangement will safeguard the influx of non-traders into the market, with a view to curbing the rate of criminal activities going on within the market.
The Permanent Secretary also cautioned the market association on unapproved shops/kiosks extension and erection of illegal structures on the drainage, warning the traders not to extend beyond the shops allocation given to them.
Hajia Eletu further charged the marketers to ensure cleanliness of their surroundings in order to avoid air pollution, contamination and unhygienic environment for the protection of the people within and outside the market.
She, however, stressed the need for the association to be cordial and maintain peaceful coexistence and also form synergy that will bring lasting solution to the environmental sanitation and other issues arising from the market.
For her part, the Iyaloja of the Ultramodern Market, Adewole, Hajia Funmilayo Babakobi appreciated the State Government for coming to their rescue on the issue of insecurity and environmental devastation in the market.
She highlighted all the past efforts that have been made by the Marketers’ Association to keep the market clean and ensure availability of drinkable water and electricity in the market.
Hajia Babakobi requested for extra water pipes from the State Government that would aid further channelization of water to all other axis in the market, while assuring effective collaboration of the Association with Government in achieving peaceful and environmental friendliness in the market.