Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced plans to remodel Alesinloye Market in Ibadan following a devastating fire that destroyed goods worth millions of Naira last month.
During an on-site inspection of the market, the governor pledged to implement proper architecture to prevent future fire incidents.
“It is unfortunate that despite having a fire station, the fire could not be contained,” Makinde said. He emphasized the need for better infrastructure to ensure the fire station is functional and effective in responding to emergencies.
To provide immediate relief for the affected traders, the governor revealed that the state government, along with the Ibadan South-West Local Government and the Ibadan South Local Council Development Area, would work together to offer palliatives.
Additionally, Makinde ordered the suspension of the planned demolition of a section of the market until alternative arrangements were made for the traders.
“There is a place that the local government is going to demolish and I have told the chairman that it should not be demolished until an alternative is provided for the people,” he said.
The governor also urged the public to exercise caution and prevent fire incidents in the future. “It is better to avoid anything that can lead to a fire incident than to curtail it,” he added, calling for increased awareness around fire safety.