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By Emmanuel Adeleke
Oyo State Government has disclosed that it would implement stringent measures to curb the persistent menace of street trading in Ibadan and other parts of the state.
Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Architect Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, made the disclosure during an enforcement drive within Ibadan metropolis, on Thursday.
Mogbonjubola decried the recalcitrant attitude of some street traders towards the government’s directives at ensuring compliance with the state environment laws.
He also expressed utmost displeasure over the illegal occupation of open spaces and roadsides, emphasising the dangers associated with it.
The commissioner expressed government’s determination to address the persistent menace of street trading, stressing that it is necessary to preserve the roads that have become hotspots for unauthorised commercial activities.
He noted that despite numerous efforts and dialogues between government officials, market authorities and traders, the issue has remained unabated.
According to him, unauthorised traders often expose themselves to unwarranted environmental hazards, occuring from dynamic and changing atmospheric weather conditions, that lead to sickness and unhealthy living.
“His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, FNSE, is determined to safeguard the lives and properties of his people, especially those who ignorantly are not aware of the dangers embedded in trading near traffic, and busy roads,” he said.
The commissioner vowed to sustain the tempo of monitoring and enforcement towards attaining reasonable compliance.
Mogbonjubola, who has intensified serious campaigns against street trading in Egbeda, Akinyele, Lagelu, Ona Ara, Ibadan North, Ibadan North East, South East, South West among others, promised to take the campaign to all nooks and crannies of the state.
He enjoined residents to comply with the state environment laws and support the present administration in its ongoing campaign against street trading and filthy environment.