Yomi Durojaye
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| (M) Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu |
…urges them to be vigilant during the yuletide and harness technology for markets
Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has applauded the efforts of Market Leaders in the State for ensuring hygiene in markets and strict adherence to standard practices in the State, stating that this result has been possible because of the unrelenting efforts of the Iyaloja/President-General; Chief Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, who has continued to engage Market Leaders across the State on best practices in markets.
The First-Lady disclosed this today during a one-day seminar on Market Sanitation and Security for Market Leaders in Lagos East Senatorial District, held at the Babajide Sanwo-Olu International Model Market, Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area.
While thanking facilitators who have continued to educate market stakeholders on improved ways to transform waste to wealth and how to safeguard their health, lives and properties; Dr Sanwo-Olu urged market leaders in the state to harness technology to develop market operations and ensure proper waste management and hygiene towards a sustainable environment.
She harped on the numerous benefits that technology in market places offer and how it would enhance markets to function optimally, reiterating the State Government’s commitment to enhance market security and sanitation in the State through community-based associations, which would aid in achieving the T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus agenda of Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
"Harnessing technology is another key aspect of improving market operations. Tools like CCTVs, public address systems, and digital platforms, including social media, can enhance waste management, public health, and security in our markets. We started this sensitisation through the five divisions of the stage and we are moving through the Senatorial District and after the Lagos West District, we shall move to the Community Development Associations CDAs to engage them on this cause" she said.
She added that markets are the lifeblood of economy and they offer essential goods and services to the people; which the administration of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu recognizes and is positioned to leverage on its’ bid to achieve the vision of making Lagos a 21st-Century Economy.
She emphasised that markets present challenges, particularly in terms of environmental and health risks, noting that addressing those challenges is essential to safeguarding the well-being of market users, the economy, and the environment.
The First-Lady who also emphasised the need to be security conscious in the markets urged market leaders to develop effective strategies, provide training on best practices, and educate stakeholders on identifying and reporting potential threats to market safety particularly during this yuletide season.
"As we are already in the festive season, I urge all stakeholders to collaborate with government agencies to prevent fire outbreaks and other mishaps; as Government remains committed to supporting markets by investing in infrastructure, providing training, and promoting initiatives that foster growth and development."
She however called on all market stakeholders to join hands with the State Government in creating markets that are clean, safe, and prosperous as the efforts will position Lagos as a model for sustainable development and economic growth.
Also speaking at the event, Wife of the Deputy Governor; Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, commended the efforts of Iyaloja and President-General; Chief Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo for ensuring that Markets in Lagos State comply with the policies of the State on safety and hygiene.
She however urged market leaders to continue to maintain hygienic practices in the State so as to set Lagos State as an exemplary model for other states.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development; Mr Bolaji Robert, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary; Mrs Kikelomo Bolarinwa iterated that the sanitation programme was designed to address the path to improving waste management and public health in market places, and how to consolidate on this as a recipe for economic growth.
He said "Markets can also be vulnerable to health threats if wastes from these markets are not properly disposed and this is why we must collectively take up the responsibility of disposing our wastes properly.
"Let us for this reason ensure that produce and wares from our markets are kept in best hygienic conditions, especially by bagging our waste and ensuring they are disposed in the containers provided by LAWMA."
Also speaking at the event, the Iyaloja/President -General, Association of Commodity Men and Women of Nigeria, Chief Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo enjoined market leaders to take priority of their hygiene by ensuring that market places are kept clean at all times.
The Executive Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area, Mrs Samiat Bada restated the commitment of her administration to consistently support the initiative of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu aimed at repositioning markets in the area and ensuring cleaner environment.
Resource persons took turns to sensitise participants on topical issues which include Fire Prevention and Safety in Markets, Health Talks, Information Management in the Market, Drug Abuse among others.
Present at the event were Traditional Rulers, Security Operatives, Market-Leaders, Community Leaders, NYSC-members amongst others.
