Nigeria Content Online

The Ondo State government yesterday said that its
decision to relocate traders from major streets of notable towns in the
state is irreversible, stating that no amount of politics played by the
opposition on the matter will make it change its decision.

The government also said no single street trader
will be relocated in any part of the state until a befitting
alternative was provided by his administration.

The state governor, Olusegun Mimiko, who disclosed
this while inspecting the Isinkan Market and the Auto-Mart projects
under construction in Akure, said there was no going back on turning
Akure to a mega city.

“The Urban Renewal programme is in the best
interest of the people because at the end of it, more foreign and local
investors would be attracted to the state for massive investment,
thereby, providing job opportunities for the people,” he said.

Modern auto-mart

“We are not ready to deprive anybody of the means
of his or her livelihood by dispersing street traders without the
provision of befitting alternatives. As we are building new
ultra-modern markets with necessary facilities, we are also building a
modern auto-mart where the motor dealers on Oba Adesida-Oyemekun Road
would be relocated to pave way for our Urban Development programme in
the capital city, which is the window through which the whole world
would see Ondo State. Hence, our resolve to make the Akure a model city
that would be the cynosure of all eyes in the nation.” Mr Mimiko
commended the State Direct Labour Agency for working to ensure that the
projects are completed within the stipulated time. He said the task of
developing the state remains the responsibility of the entire citizens
and urged the people to support the developmental efforts of his
administration in order to achieve the desired results.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Kunle
Ashaolu, explained that the government embarked on the projects through
the Direct Labour System to save costs, as part of its avowed
commitment to prudent management of public fund and resources.