The Oyo State Government denied on Sunday that the Bola Ige International Business Complex in Gbagi, Ibadan, will be closed tomorrow (Monday), stating that the allegation was untrue.
Adeniyi Adebisi, the Oyo State Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, issued this remark in Ibadan, the state capital.
He informed traders, store owners, and members of the public that the Gbagi market would not be closed, as some rumours had suggested.
Adebisi described the rumours as untrue, unsubstantiated, and a deliberate attempt by miscreants to incite unwarranted tension in the business sector.
“The Bola Ige International Business Complex remains a hub of commercial activities in the state, and at no point did the government contemplate shutting it down.
“We urge traders and the public to disregard this misleading information being spread by unscrupulous elements whose aim is to disrupt peace and normal business operations.
“Normal activities will continue without any hindrance on Monday and beyond,” he stressed.
The commissioner also stated that the government was aware of certain practices within the complex in which some shop owners, primarily elders within the business complex, allegedly allot spaces in front of their shops to petty traders, sometimes measuring the portions with rulers and exploiting them financially.
He stressed that the government is already taking steps to address such abuses in a fair and balanced manner, protecting the interests of all traders and ensuring that the complex stays favourable to legal commercial activity.
Adebisi went on to say that the current administration, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, is committed to creating an enabling climate for commerce to prosper and will not make any decisions that could jeopardise economic activity in the state.
Also, addressing the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Olajide Okesade, confirmed the government’s position, stating that sufficient security preparations had been put in place to maintain peace and order at the commercial complex.
“The ministry wishes to assure all traders, customers, and stakeholders that there will be no closure of the Bola Ige International Business Complex on Monday.
“The rumour is unfounded, and everyone should go about their normal business without fear.
“The government remains committed to protecting the interests of traders and ensuring the smooth running of all markets and business complexes across the state.”
The Oyo state government, therefore, appealed to the public to ignore false information and rely solely on official statements from relevant authorities.
