The Ogun State government has issued a 100-day ultimatum to traders at the well-known Kara market in Isheri, located in the Ifo Local Government Area, to relocate to the Ogere International Market along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
This deadline, set to expire on December 31st, allows for a phased relocation as the current market site will be entirely demolished, reducing it to ground zero with the removal of all stalls, shanties, and temporary structures.
Announcing the relocation directive, Dr. Sam Olugbenga Oyeleye, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, stated that the decision was made to restore order due to the ongoing environmental degradation in the market, which is situated on the state’s border with Lagos.
Oyeleye explained that the state government has been overwhelmed with daily reports of improper waste disposal, other environmental nuisances, and open defecation along the median and road setbacks, despite the government’s provision of public toilets.
He added that the government cannot continue to allow a few individuals, under the guise of trading, to deface the environment and spread communicable diseases to millions of residents through open defecation, which has persisted despite several awareness campaigns, appeals, and arrests.
“Their unacceptable behavior, which is an eyesore, also contradicts the state government’s policy of attracting investors to Ogun as the nation’s industrial hub. Therefore, relocating the market is necessary for the overall benefit of the state.”
Furthermore, Oyeleye noted that the Kara market has outlived its usefulness in that location, as it has become overcrowded with no room for expansion or proper management. Relocating to the Ogere International Market will provide the traders with more space and a more regulated environment.
He also assured the cattle sellers and other traders that they would receive adequate security and a warm welcome from the host community.
The relocation will occur in phases, beginning with the movement of cattle, the closure of the abattoir at Kara, and the final relocation of other traders, with December 31st being the firm deadline for the closure of the cattle market.
