By Oluwole Farotimi
Two weeks after ordering its closure, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has, again, ordered the immediate re-opening of the Mile 12 Market following a satisfactory meeting and agreement reached with stakeholders involved in the operation of the Market.
According to a statement by Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, the re-opening was due to the outcome of the stakeholders’ meeting between the market men/women and traditional leaders in the community, residents and the Community Development Association (CDA).
Some of the major consensus includes relocation of the market to another suitable location, as the existing market can no longer contain the traders;
ban on the use of commercial motorcycles (Okada) in the area;
co-existence among all ethnic groups in the market and environs; removal of all shanties and illegal attachments/structures within the market area; market operation to be confined within the market area; no street trading and with the promise to trade in a clean and hygienic environment.
Ambode shut the market on March 3, after a clash between residents and Okada operators in the area.
The commissioner stated that stakeholders agreed that it is only in an atmosphere of peace that their various businesses and trade could thrive.
Ayorinde assured that Lagos is a home for all, and that the state government will continue to provide the enabling environment for every investor to thrive, as the promise of the governor to run a 24/7 economy is sacrosanct.
To this end, Alhaji Jubril Magaji, foundation member of Sukura Yam Sellers Association of Nigeria in the market, yesterday said peace has returned to the market and people in the area are determined to live together as brothers and sisters.
Magaji told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos when the market reopened for business, while customers trickled in.
Traders, Magaji said, had lost huge money, which was expected with the long closure of the market.