Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday attended the opening of a newly constructed market in Bodija, built by the Ibadan North Local Government Council and named after Alhaji Chief Sunmaila Aderemi Jimoh.
Speaking during the event, the governor said the market will provide structured alternatives for roadside traders, as part of the state’s broader effort to improve environmental standards and urban order.
According to Makinde, 540 stalls in the new market have been allocated to traders free of charge. He explained that the move is aimed at ensuring traders are given viable relocation options before the enforcement of environmental laws targeting illegal roadside trading.
“Our goal is to ensure that roadside traders are given alternatives before we start enforcing the relevant environmental laws,” he stated during his interaction with traders.
The commissioning ceremony attracted local officials, community leaders, and market stakeholders. The new facility is expected to ease congestion in the Bodija area while promoting safer and more organized trading activities.
The development aligns with the state government’s urban renewal and environmental management agenda.
