Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has strongly criticised the acts of street trading and illegal dumping of refuse on road medians, deeming them as uncivil behaviors that need to be eliminated across the state.

Makinde expressed his stance during the inauguration of the Idi Ape and Civic Centre, Agodi Gate junction improvement projects on Friday. The event was attended by Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, Major General Oladayo Popoola (Retired), former Military Administrator of the state, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, and Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South).

Addressing the audience, Governor Makinde highlighted how the junction improvements would significantly reduce commuting time for residents in the city. He emphasized that the project aimed to restore orderliness to these areas, asserting that strict measures would be taken against individuals found engaging in street trading and dumping refuse on road medians.

Governor Makinde further announced that the 700 street traders who were displaced during the execution of the projects would be provided with free stalls in the newly constructed market as part of the initiative.

“We are sending a clear message, and those of you in Ibadan would have witnessed the chaos this place used to be. Through this project, we are restoring orderliness to this area. The shops here are intended for those previously trading on the roadside, and they will be given free of charge. No one will demand a single Naira from you. This means that 700 individuals will transition from street trading to this location. We are grateful to God.”

“We can clearly observe the beauty of this environment now, and our plan is to maintain its cleanliness. Street trading and illegal dumping of refuse on road medians are two uncivil behaviors that we, as responsible citizens, must eradicate. I have given a directive that anyone found engaging in such activities in this area will face legal consequences,” Governor Makinde stated passionately.

Governor Makinde’s firm stance on promoting civic responsibility underscores his commitment to fostering a more orderly and cleaner environment for the people of Oyo State.