The Chairperson of Ilorin West Local Government, Hajia Aminat Omodara has frowned at the non compliance of traders to several warning on street trading and poor environmental hygiene in their various markets, particularly the Oja-Oba ‘market’ in Ilorin.
The council boss expressed her displeasure with the present filthy state of the market even as she tasked the traders and road users to dispose waste politely or risk the wrath of the law.
According to her, the market environment in recent time had not represented the image of the Local Government positively and has become an eyesore, a situation which she said does not befit the status of Kwara State.
Omodara, who was represented during on the spot assessment of the market by the Supervisory Councillor for Health, Hon. Sulaiman Kongbari said that the present administration is not comfortable with the manner refuse were being dumped by the road sides, median and bus stop at Oja-Oba.
The Chairperson said the volume of dirt and refuse at Oja-Oba, lay-bys, medians and walkways were alarming and did not speak well of the status of the local government and the state, adding that the situation was an invitation to outbreak of disease.
“We have taken it upon ourselves to clear the refuse in the market. The state and the local government will not hesitate to deal with any trader or road user because we will not be happy to see any market within our metropolis dirty.
“Our environmental officials and security personnel have been directed to step up their duties in ensuring a total compliance of ‘Operation Keep Ilorin West Clean’ with stiff penalty for any violator.
“All markets must be kept clean, the local government has spent so much on various medical/health/environmental projects and we want you all to be partakers of these benefits. Work with us to ensure Ilorin West is cleaner and safer,” she advised.
Speaking further, the council boss said, “As a government, we’ll always fulfil our social pact with the people, but the citizens must ensure their civic responsibilities are not left unattended to.”
Omodara emphasised that the government was determined to ensure a cleaner and healthier Kwara hence it is necessary for the local and state government to rise up to environmental challenges.
She urged markets leaders to prioritise the cleanliness of their markets and cooperate with environmental officials by ensuring prompt collection and proper packaging of their waste for easy disposal.
While noting that government frowned at street trading; she thereby called on all traders to get shops so as to ease the flow of traffic and prevent road accident.
Hunger: Widower, father of 2, collapses in court premises
There was confusion on Tuesday as a 50-year- old widower and father of two, Raufu Ishola collapsed within the Magistrate court premises while begging for assistance.
After being resuscitated by some court staff and prosecutors, Ishola, who resides at Ita-Ajia area, recounted his suffering and the difficulty he has been going through to cater for the two kids left behind by his late wife.
According to him, he had not eaten all day adding that, “I have been afflicted with ulcer since 2017 but I am getting better now.”
He blamed his plight on unemployment.
“I don’t have work, my wife is late and I cannot feed my two children; ages 6 and 3 respectively. Someone gave them pap to drink this morning and I don’t know what they will eat next,” he lamented.
Ishola, also claimed he trekked from his residence at Ita-Ajia to the court premises to seek assistance from a friend before his collapse.
Luck however smiled on Ishola as his rescuers bought him food and subsequently raised substantial amount of money for him to take home and take care of his children.
Speaking with our reporter, Isah Abubakar, who spoke on behalf of those who rescued Ishola said, “We just saw him collapse and as good Samaritans, we rushed to his rescue and poured water on his head to resuscitate him. We gave him some food to eat and money to take home in order to take care of his children. “
