LAGOS—Traders from the demolished Owonifari
electronic Market, Oshodi were weekend divided
on whether to re-accept the Lagos State
Government’s planned relocation to Oshodi
Resettlement Market (former Isopakodowo
market) or not. While some maintained their
previous stance, others have backtracked.
---


It will be recalled that the traders had earlier
rejected Lagos State Government’s plans to
relocate them to Oshodi Resettlement Market,
former Isopakodowo market, citing structural
instability and several structural defects on the
building as their reason for the rejection.
---


Vanguard gathered that larger percent of the
traders towed ethnic lines in their decision. While
those of Eastern extraction decided to secure
shop in Arena Shopping Mall, Bolade, Oshodi, their
Western brothers have opted for the government
plans.
---


A visit to the Arena Shopping Mall, owned by the
Nigerian Army on Saturday, the mall management
were sighted instructing artisans on how some
large shops should be partitioned. Also at their
office, the desk officials were busy attending to
applicants, especially traders of the demolished
Owonifari market.
---


Also, the traders who have been allotted spaces/
shops were seen waiting for their artisans to
complete fixing of their furniture or sorting their
goods before stocking them in their new shops.
Accepting demolition in good fate
---


A trader, Mrs. Bridget Okoro, who spoke to
Vanguard, said that she had accepted the
demolition in good fate, saying “I have moved on
with my business. And I am happy that I have
secured a shop here. Space in the mall is
spacious compared to Owonifari electronic
market.”
---


Another trader who identified himself as Solomon
Okey, said that the location of the mall would
afford him the opportunity to retain his
customers. “It is just on the same axis. And it
has enough parking lots. I believe that would also
help us attract more customers.”
But the story is not the same for some traders
who were yet to raise the required fund to rent
shops in the mall.
---


A trader who spoke on the condition of
anonymity, lamented that he was yet to raise the
required fund to secure a shop in the Arena
Shopping Mall, noting, “I am still sourcing for
funds. Presently, I kept my goods in my friend’s
warehouse. And immediately I could achieve that,
I will approach the mall management to secure a
shop.”
---


A representative of the mall’s management who
identified herself as Mercy, explained to Vanguard
that the rent was N300,000 per annum, N3,000
agreement fee and monthly access charge of
N6,000.
---


However for the traders who accepted the Lagos
State Government offer, they have purchased
allocation forms, filled them; attached the
necessary requirements. After which they handed
their forms over to their representatives for
onward submission.
---


Some of the documents attached to the forms
were allocation letters, Lagos State Resident
Registration Agency, LASRRA, registration slip and
two passport photographs.
An official of the State Government, who chose to
speak under condition of anonymity, in an
interview with Vanguard on Friday, confirmed that
sizeable number of the traders have collected
their forms.
---


He noted that they have been instructed that
traders of demolished Owonifari market should be
given priority consideration in the allotment
exercise before others.
Former executive chairman of the Market, Prince
Issa Ogun-Kayode told Vanguard that he has
submitted his form and was waiting for the
government to commence allocation.
Why agreement between traders, govt delayed
Fact emerged weekend why the meeting between
the traders and the government foot dragged,
even after they agreed on the monthly rent.
---


It was learned that the former legal counsel to
the traders, one Mr. Lasisi, advised them to
accept the State Government offers. But while
they were considering this suggestion, another
lawyer approached the traders offering them
better legal service which they accepted.
A reliable source told Vanguard that while the
case dragged on, the traders raised another
committee to meet with the government
representatives with the aim to either consider
withdrawing their case or continue.
---


At the meeting, the source told Vanguard that
after accepting their demands, they introduced a
N6, 000 monthly ‘Access Charge,’ which made the
traders angry.
He noted that the traders rejected the ‘Access
Charge,’ stating that they cannot part with such
fund monthly.
---


His words; “With the current situation, we don’t
have an option now than to accept the
government offer because larger percent of us
cannot afford the huge fund required to secure
shop elsewhere.”
Oshodi demolition not targeted at Igbo traders —
APC chieftain
Meantime, a chieftain of the All Progressives
Congress, APC, in Lagos State, Mr Nkechi
Chukwueke yesterday said the demolition of the
popular Owonifari market in Oshodi area of Lagos
State is not targeted at any particular tribe,
especially the Igbo.
---



Pouring encomiums on the State Government for
taking the bold move, Chukwueke, who served as
Special Assistant on Women Ethnic Group
Mobilisation/Empowerment to former Lagos State
Governor, Babatunde Fashola said not only Igbo
but traders from other ethnic groups were also
affected in the exercise, which according to her
“was carried out in good fate and in accordance
with the rule of law.”
---


Ambode tasked on crime-freeLagos
She further urged the State Governor, Akinwunmi
Ambode to focus on his task of ensuring a crime-
free Lagos that will be conducive for all and
sundry.
“I have told a lot of my people from the East that
the exercise was carried out in good fate by the
State Government to rid Lagos of crime, restore
sanity to the area and ensure the master plan of
Lagos State is not tampered with.
---

“From facts available, the State Government gave
enough notice to these traders and even provided
alternative market for them to relocate to but
many of them refused to go because they believe
they won’t make much sales if they go to the new
place.
“The truth is, we must rally round the Governor to
ensure that Lagos works. The Governor means
well for Lagos and he stands to gain nothing by
demolishing people’s shops. There are laws of
the land and it must be obeyed by all for the
state to progress,” she said.
---


Also, Chairman of Conference 57, the umbrella
body of Executive Secretaries of Local Government
and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos
State, Hon. Alabi Kolade David faulted those
castigating the Governor over the demolition,
insisting that the action was a positive step
geared towards development and progress.
David said those calling the Governor names over
the development were exhibiting ignorance and
lack of foresight, as same was in line with the
transformation plan of government for Oshodi.
Oshodi as international gateway
---


David, who described Oshodi as an international
gateway to Lagos and indeed Nigeria, said the
demolition was a positive step towards
transforming Lagos into mega city compared to
other cosmopolitan city-states of the world.
“What the Governor has done is a wonderful thing
as it will ease off a lot of things in Oshodi. Those
people that are saying negative things about the
Governor are the people that do not want Lagos
to transform into the megacity that we are all
yearning for.
---


“That place is an international gateway to
Nigeria. It is the face of Lagos and face of
Nigeria because Lagos represents Nigeria. If we
want development for Nigeria, if we want
development for Lagos and if we want to be put
in our rightful position, that market must be
demolished,” David said.
---


While insisting that Lagos State has done well in
providing markets for the people, David said as
an LG boss, he has had course to mobilize people
to apply for the numerous markets available in the
State.

We are watching

The earlier the better.

N300,000/annum!
N3000 agreement fee!
N6,000 Monthly Access fee! = N72,000/annum!
Bringing the total of their annual fee to N372,000!
---

Now let me ask:
1. Won't these marketers transfer this aggression on their customers? surely the prize of goods will be higher!
2. How will these people meet up with the demands at home?
3. Is this not encouraging crime?
4. Has anyone felt the welfare package promised by Ambode in his electoral promises?
5. Anyone that says the Igbos are not the target should take another look at those interviewed or involved directly.
I must say that Ambode contrary to his electoral promises is not business friendly!
I am not trying to condemn Ambode but to speak out in order to right a wrong!
Nigerians are watching.
It is well!

I like the surviving spirit of the easterners.

Arena shopping mall once a ghost of itself is now coming to life.

For this Nigeria so Before backtracking d Govt plans...two things are involved: either the Govt has plans to pay compensation to those whose goods were destroyed or the traders are left with no choice other dan accepting defeat...

ODUBEZE:
N300,000/annum!
N3000 agreement fee!
N6,000 Monthly Access fee! = N72,000/annum!
Bringing the total of their annual fee to N372,000!
---

Now let me ask:
1. Won't these marketers transfer this aggression on their customers? surely the prize of goods will be higher!
2. How will these people meet up with the demands at home?
3. Is this not encouraging crime?
4. Has anyone felt the welfare package promised by Ambode in his electoral promises?
5. Anyone that says the Igbos are not the target should take another look at those interviewed or involved directly.
I must say that Ambode contrary to his electoral promises is not business friendly!
I am not trying to condemn Ambode but to speak out in order to right a wrong!
Nigerians are watching.
It is well!

When Fashola cleared Oshodi few years ago, did anybody say he targeted Yoruba traders? Why do we always reduce issues to tribal/ethnic sentiments? Why are the Yoruba traders in Alaba not blaming govt for allowing Igbos dominate the market?

Life must continue.

K

mromo9ja:


When Fashola cleared Oshodi few years ago, did anybody say he targeted Yoruba traders? Why do we always reduce issues to tribal/ethnic sentiments? Why are the Yoruba traders in Alaba not blaming govt for allowing Igbos dominate the market?

Am happy U said Fashola cleared Oshodi not a particular section!
Now if he recently cleared Oshodi, what is the need of clearing it again?
Fashola cannot be compared to Ambode in case you have not noticed there is a great difference between them!
Let me know if you need highlights.