‘Ladipo Market Shut In Traders’ Interest’

The director of Paramo Development Ventures, developer of Aguiyi Ironsi International Trade Centre, Ladipo Market, Mushin, Lagos State, southwest Nigeria, Chief (Mrs.) Fausat Hassan-Olajoku has stated that the closure of the market by the Lagos state government was in the best interest of the traders.

The state government closed the market because of environmental problems posed to the area.

Chief Olajoku explained that the closure became necessary because of the filth in the market, despite repeated warnings by the government.

She absolved government of any blame in the closure, adding that the government gave repeated warnings, but the traders refused to heed them.

She noted that the infighting in the market and the filth contributed to the closure.

“The refuse in the market posed environmental problems that could lead to epidemic in the area. Heaps of refuse was all over the place,” she noted.

She regretted that the traders abandoned their businesses and were fighting for power among themselves.

She recalled that her late husband’s intention was to make the market the best in Africa where business can be transacted in peace and harmony.

She advised the traders to face their businesses and allow peace to reign. She urged them to allow the owners of the market to manage the place properly.

Meanwhile, the traders have appealed to the Lagos State government to reopen the market. They promised to comply with the directive of the government on environmental sanitation.

—Cyriacus Izuekwe