TO FIGHT STREET TRADING, EKITI PROVIDES VENDORS WITH RENT-FREE STALLS FOR SIX MONTHS
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In a calculated effort to increase business and reduce street trading, the Ekiti State Government has started to rent-free, six-month stalls to itinerant and street vendors.
The initiative, which includes stores at the Agric-Olope, Awedele, and main Oja Oba markets, is a part of a larger celebration marking the second anniversary of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s tenure.
This was stated in a statement titled “Ekiti Government Commences Allocation of Six-Month Rent-Free Market Stalls to Traders” that was posted on the state government website on Friday, October 17.
This was announced by Mrs. Omotayo Adeola, the State Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives, during a bilingual audience participatory simulcast that was broadcast to viewers in Ekiti and certain areas of Ondo State.
She emphasised that the goal of this gesture was to remove the financial burden that street vendors frequently bear.
“The government is providing shop allocations with a six-month rent-free period followed by an annual rent collection basis,” she clarified.
She pointed out that the new conditions make market stalls available to more vendors by replacing the previously prohibitively expensive 15-year lease agreements.
Adeola made note of the fact that traders would still be in charge of utility bills, such as electricity and sewage, even though they would not be charged rent for the first six months.
This would guarantee the markets’ cleanliness, hygienic conditions, and appropriate upkeep.
She continued, “Interested traders are encouraged to register at the Oja Oba main market’s facility management office.”
Traders must provide their name, trade type, passport photo, and National Identification Number as part of the simple application process.
The Commissioner did issue a warning, though, saying that people who already own stores or use them as warehouses are not qualified for this rent-free program. These stores would be reclaimed and given to worthy vendors.
Additionally, the government promotes partnerships by enabling multiple small-scale traders to work together and share a shop.
The statement claims that this strategy seeks to maximise the use of available space while allowing small companies that might not need large stalls to participate.
Adeola also threatened that after the allocation process was finished, the government would start strictly enforcing the laws that forbade street trading.
“The law against street trading will be enforced,” she asserted. “We want to protect street traders from accidents and ensure the safety of all road users.”
She continued by saying that the government has made large investments in market infrastructure and is dedicated to making sure that these resources are used to the fullest extent possible.
The government is addressing the high cost of food items in the state in addition to street trading.
In order to stabilise the supply chain and guarantee reasonable food prices all year round, the commissioner disclosed plans to clear out excess food during harvest seasons.
“Government will henceforth be involved in all agricultural chain activities, from supplying farm inputs to moving products from farms to consumers,” she said, highlighting the administration’s comprehensive approach to supporting both farmers and consumers.
Taiwo Olatunbosun, the Commissioner for Information, also spoke and praised the government’s advancements made possible by the six-pillar roadmap.
“In just two years, we’ve seen significant strides in agriculture, infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs),” he said.
He urged citizens to support government initiatives to advance Ekiti State’s development, emphasising that continued support from the community is necessary to keep the state moving forward.
Olatunbosun also urged locals to abstain from dangerous behaviours like careless trash disposal, which can cause flooding and jeopardise government initiatives to promote environmental sustainability.
“Everyone needs to contribute to preserving the advancements we’ve made thus far,” he stated, underscoring the significance of civic duty.
This project demonstrates Ekiti State’s dedication to promoting sustainable development and raising the general standard of living for its citizens, in addition to making life simpler for traders.
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