The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on Friday, urged stakeholders in the management of markets in Oyo State to embed safety measures and protocols in the operations of the various markets across the state to prevent disasters leading to loss of lives and property.
The PUNCH reports that the call came in the aftermath of the recent fire disaster at the Aleshinloye market in Ibadan, the state capital, which reportedly gutted over 500 shops and stalls.
“I am not happy with the spate of fire disasters in the market and other places in Ibadan and the state. It is too frequent for comfort. My call is for the managers of markets to develop and implement stringent safety protocols and measures in our markets to stem the tide of incessant fire outbreaks and other disasters.
“Lives and property are precious. It is imperative that we protect and preserve both for sustainable living and economic development. All stakeholders must work together to prevent and mitigate this negative life and economic threatening trend.”
He therefore sympathised with traders in the Aleshinloye market whose goods and wares were destroyed in the recent inferno, praying to God to replenish them and pleading with the government to see how it can mitigate the attendant losses.
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