Story by Iyiola Ayomide
"*PROVIDES AN OUTLINE OF THE PROJECT'S COMMISSIONING STRATEGY FOR THE YEAR 2024*"
The market operators have been met by the Executive Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, in order to address problems concerning the Iyana-Ejigbo Market and its functioning.
On Wednesday, January 17th, 2024, Alhaji Monsurudeen Oloyede Bello (OBE) had a meeting with the Iyana-Ejigbo Market operators to discuss the actions the government will undertake for their benefit and the responsibilities they must fulfill in order to ensure the success of the government's initiatives.
The flood problem, which greatly impacts marketers, is a key challenge being addressed by the Government. In order to combat this issue, the desilting of approximately seven blocked underground pipes located at NEPA needs to be completed before June. Failure to do so would result in the market being completely inundated by the flood. The estimated cost for this task, as determined by the engineers, is around Seven Million Naira.
Furthermore, this year the market will be illuminated according to the commitment made by the Chairperson of the Council in order to facilitate night-time sales. The Government is of the opinion that this measure would significantly enhance the traders' sales and stimulate the economy.
An additional relevant matter discussed is transportation. The leader of the Council mentioned the importance of revamping the market so that commercial vehicles can smoothly navigate through it and conveniently pick up and drop off passengers. This adjustment would enhance the market's accessibility for buyers and consequently boost sales.
The Government has emphasized the involvement of market operators in order to accomplish these goals. The primary responsibility is the timely payment of taxes, followed by the proper maintenance of Government infrastructure to ensure long-lasting effectiveness.
The tax rate for marketers has been raised for the first time in six years, from #3,600 to 6,000 yearly, since the leader came into power. This change aims to boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and facilitate the implementation of pledged projects.
According to the Executive Chairman, quality projects require high-quality funding.
On Monday, January 22nd, the process of counting the stalls will officially commence. The Local Council will be represented by a new team of market officers, with Mr. Yahaya Mufutau, the Council Treasurer, and Hon. Olufemi Ibine, the Supervisor for Market and Revenue (previously the Supervisor for WAPA), leading the team. All stall owners have been instructed to make their tax payment at the bank and obtain a receipt using the teller. It is also mandatory for those who have outstanding taxes from previous years to settle their debts.
Moreover, the Iya Oja and Baba Oja have been granted a period of two weeks to create another newspaper article with the intention of refuting the false and harmful allegations they had previously ascribed to the Executive Chairman. They are obligated to adhere to the directives provided to them during their summons in Abuja. Should they fail to comply, the market will be sealed.
The Iya Oja and Baba Oja wrote a complaint initially, alleging misconduct and using offensive language towards the Council Chairman. Subsequently, they published a denial in the Nation Newspaper on November 15, 2023, claiming they did not write the petition and showing their loyalty. Yet, the Council Chairman insists that they write another publication, adhering to the instructions they received in Abuja.
OBE confirmed his intention to provide a Letter of Approval to the individuals chosen as Iya Oja and Baba Oja, ensuring they would not be deprived of their rights. However, he expressed his intention to address the ongoing matter with them.
The Council Chairman has cautioned individuals about involving themselves in the dispute between him and Oba Morufu Adisa Adekunle Ojoola, the Ojon of Ejigbo and Ijon Land. He further acknowledged Oba Morufu Adisa Adekunle Ojoola as the respected leader and traditional ruler, emphasizing that he will always show him respect and never withhold his entitlements. Therefore, people should refrain from interfering.
Alhaji Monsurudeen Oloyede Bello (OBE) announced that 2024 will be dedicated to accomplishing and unveiling projects. Consequently, he has devised a plan for the commissioning of these projects.
The scheduled projects include the Akinsanya Ajaloleru Nursery and Primary School located beside January 27 Burial Ground in Ilamoshe. Additionally, the new Community Development Committee building in Lafenwa will be commissioned, as well as the recently renovated Morning Star Primary Health Centre in Aigbaka. Furthermore, the first ever Motor Park in Ejigbo, Iyana-Ejigbo, known as Central Motor Garage, will be established. Another Motor Garage, Alaba Moshalashi, will also be commissioned. The Iyalaje Estate Network of Roads will be constructed, along with Ifoshi Road, Kashimawo Alimi Road, and Adeboye Road in Aigbaka. Moreover, the Ultra Modern Council Secretariat in NNPC, Falana Road, and Sule Ajegunle Road are part of the upcoming projects.
A few of the projects have been finished and are already being utilized, whereas others are presently in progress.
The Chairman of the Council expressed gratitude to the market operators for their gesture of closing their shops in order to gather in significant numbers to meet him.
*Public Affairs Unit in the Office of the S.A Information and Strategy,*
*located in Ejigbo LCDA, Lagos State.*
*Sunday, January 21st, 2024.*
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