By Our Correspondent
The Chairman of Sagamu Local Government has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to restoring order, sanitation and effective management at Awolowo Market and its adjoining motor park, declaring that the market and the garage must operate strictly within their designated functions.
The declaration was made during a strategic stakeholders' meeting held with the Awolowo Market Board, the Iya Oloja, Baba Oloja, market executives, representatives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), road transport stakeholders and the Ogun State Parks and Garages Management (OGSPAM), Awolowo Branch.
Addressing the gathering, the chairman stressed that the market is meant exclusively for commercial trading, while the garage is designated solely for transportation activities. He noted that the continuous overlap of both operations has contributed to congestion, disorder and avoidable conflicts, warning that such practices would no longer be tolerated.
According to him, clear boundaries must be maintained between trading and transport operations to ensure a more organised environment, improve public convenience and enhance economic activities within the area.
The chairman also placed strong emphasis on environmental sanitation, directing traders and transport operators to maintain cleanliness within and around the market. He warned against the indiscriminate occupation of roads and public spaces, stating that every form of obstruction along the main road would be removed to ensure the free flow of traffic and improve public safety.
He explained that keeping roads free from illegal trading and parking would not only reduce traffic congestion but also create a safer and more accessible environment for residents, motorists and visitors.
As part of measures to improve the management of public infrastructure, the chairman announced that shops allocated to individuals but left unused would be recovered by the local government and reassigned to genuine traders who require them for legitimate business activities.
He maintained that public facilities should not be allowed to remain idle while many hardworking traders are in need of business spaces, adding that government assets must be utilised for the purposes for which they were provided.
The chairman further called on all stakeholders to embrace peace, discipline and mutual respect in their daily operations, noting that sustained cooperation among traders, transport unions and market authorities remains essential to achieving lasting order and development.
He expressed optimism that the collective efforts of the market leadership, transport unions and government agencies would transform Awolowo Market into a cleaner, safer and better organised commercial hub that would benefit traders, commuters and the entire Sagamu community.
The meeting ended with renewed commitments from the market executives, transport unions and other stakeholders to support the local government's drive towards improved sanitation, effective traffic management and the orderly administration of one of Sagamu's busiest commercial centres.
