Governorof Ogun State Dapo Abiodun has shut down Iberekodo daily market in Abeokuta following the outbreak of cholera in the area.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment and Chief Executive Officer of the State Waste Management Authority, Mr Ola Oresanya, who disclosed the development to newsmen, said the decision was taken as the market is observed to be operating below public hygienic standards.
He added that the government is concerned about safeguarding its citizens against the outbreak of communicable diseases and especially cholera.
Oresanya lamented the heaps of waste dumps within the popular market. He said the situation in the market would invariably affect the safety of foodstuffs and other commodities being sold in the market.
The government officials noted that traders have failed to heed the government’s earlier warnings to comply with public hygienic protocols as they relate to market sanitations hence the government has no choice but to close it down.
He added, “The state government will not fold its arms and watch a few traders compromise the health of millions of our people by trading in a dirty environment.
“The market will remain shut until the traders clean the market environment of all dirt and clear the illegal dumping site within the market.”
The special adviser also warned other traders operating markets across the state, whether daily or weekly to make cleanliness their watchword.
