Sanwo-Olu task traders on sanitation, opens Sabo-Yaba Ultra-Modern market

By Moses Adeniyi

Lagos State Governor, Mr, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has again tasked traders and other market stakeholders on proper environmental management and sanitation of markets in the State.

Sanwo-Olu gave the charge as he inaugurated the Sabo-Yaba Ultra-Modern market in Lagos on Wednesday,.

The governor, represented by his deputy,  Dr Obafemi Hamzat, urged traders to take ownership of the facilities provided by the government

He also urged the people to preserve the newly remodelled structure, adding that it was a crucial step toward maintaining collective health and well-being in the State.

According to him, the market stands as a beacon of progress, a symbol of resilience and a testament to the collaborative efforts that will continue to shape the destiny of the communities.

He, therefore, charged the people not to forget the importance of upholding proper environmental sanitation.

Sanwo-Olu stated that the market, having stood the test of time as an integral part of the community’s history of over 70 years, offered a convenient alternative to the renowned Oyingbo Market.

He noted that it had played a pivotal role in driving commercial and trading activities within the area and its environs.

“I am proud to celebrate with you,  the fourth transformation of this market, which evolved from a model market into a modern marvel,” he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, Yaba Local Council Development Area, Mr Kayode Omiyale, said the market would serve as a good alternative to the popular Tejuosho and Oyingbo markets.

Recounting, Omiyale said the market which was established about seven decades ago had witnessed three spates of redevelopments on three different occasions and the last was in 1987.

Highlighting the facilities within the market, the chairman said it comprised 720 shops made up of  lockup shops, suites and key clamps.

“Others are modern toilets, and a mobile health center established by  the Lagos State Health Management Agency, among other facilities,” he said

He stated that the establishment and remodeling of the market was informed by the mounting need to have a more convenient option to the popular Tejuosho and Oyingbo market which was considered far from Yaba residents.

Omiyale also noted that the new market would fill the vacuum and ensure the ease of doing business coupled with the ease of buying and selling.

The chairman said that no form of street trading would be allowed along the corridor of the market.

He said it would help to maintain order, sanity and good environmental sanitation around the market.

The Governor Sanwo-Olu led administration had been known for its market remodeling moves with emphasis on sanitation and proper environmental management.

Recently, the State Government had shut a number of markets for various reasons, particularly on poor sanitation and other  defaults concerning waste   management.

Barely three days, the Government sealed Oke-Afa Market, Isolo Market, and Katangua Market in Abule Egba for violations of waste disposal regulations and for various unhygienic practices around the markets, constituting grave environmental infractions.

In a bid to curb mounting environmental health concerns, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Lagos State, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, stressed that the government’s zero tolerance for waste initiative, which started last year, was still on course.

He vowed that any market or facility engaging in reckless waste disposal would be sanctioned.

According to Wahab, “The government has not jettisoned its zero tolerance for waste initiative which we have been pursuing since last year.

“The only way for markets and traders, is to engage in decent and civilised waste disposal practices as outlined by the Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA. Any market or facility that runs foul of this arrangement will face sanctions.”

The commissioner assured residents that the markets would remain sealed until stringent hygiene and waste disposal measures were implemented and compliance maintained, adding that the state government was totally committed to ensuring cleanliness in all parts of the metropolis.

Wahab continued, “The health and well-being of our residents are paramount. We cannot allow a few to endanger the health of many through irresponsible environmental practices.

“The sealing of these markets is a necessary step to compel compliance and safeguard public health.”

Also, the Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, urged various market executives to always mobilise their members to abide by waste management regulations, including the use of the double dino bins provided for markets and the observance of hygienic habits in their activities.