Okada ban: Ajao Estate traders lament low sales, want okada operation back in community
Okada ban: Ajao Estate traders lament low sales, want okada operation back in community
By Damilola Kushimo
Iyaloja
The traders in Ajao Estate, Isolo have appealed to the government to lift ban on the operation of commercial motorcycle popularly known as okada within the estate as they lament low sales and patronage.
Speaking on their behalf, the Iyaloja of Ajao Estate New Market, Mrs. Afusat Oladele, said that since the ban has been put on okada operation within the Estate, commercial activities have been down to the ground as many customers could not get alternative transportation means to the market.
Oladele, who made this known to ECHONEWS in a chat with our correspondent, said that one ideal way to turn around the saddening situation of the market is to lift the ban on okada operation within the community.
She revealed that while some people are not aware of the existence of the market, other said transportation has remained the restraining factor preventing them from patronizing the market.
“We want the progress of this market, more patronage from people especially the community residents. This market has been commissioned over a year ago, but people still complain of not knowing that there’s a market here.
“On the issue of o riders, I personally want the ban on them to be lifted. I want them to resume operation in Ajao Estate. If they begin operating, people will find it easy to patronize us here, the market will be more accessible.
“Some people do say they can’t afford to bring their vehicle to the market, but now that the government had helped us to construct the linking-road, to dualise the roads that lead here, the condition has improved. But for the convenience of all, especially the traders here, we urge the government to help us lift the ban on okada riders,” she said.
She emphasized on economic reason as the major factor why the ban should be lifted, as she claimed that okada riding is the common source of livelihood for most jobless individuals.
She said, “I have no relative riding okada but come to think of it, it serves as source of livelihood for those riding it. Above all, every trader is complaining. We want the government to look into this and please help us, we want the market to progress.”
However, the market leader expressed her gratitude to the developer of the market and the Chairman of Isolo Local Council Development Area, Hon. Shamsudeen Olaleye, for the infrastructure development around the market.
“Though traders are complaining of these two obstructive shops here but we want to appreciate the developer (Mr. Tokunbo), we commend him greatly for fulfilling his promises about the market. And also to our Chairman at the Council, we appreciate him so much, may Almighty God keep directing his path. I also want to plead with him to keep remembering the Iyaloja for good,” she concluded.
