Oyo State Government has dispelled rumours of planned closure on Monday, of the Bola Ige International Business Complex, popularly called Gbagi Market in Ibadan, saying the rumour was unfounded.
Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, Adeniyi Adebisi in Ibadan on Sunday, reassured traders, shop owners and members of the public that the Gbagi Market would not be closed on Monday as speculated by those he called mischief-makers.
He described the rumours as false, baseless, and a deliberate attempt by miscreants to cause unnecessary tension within the business community.
According to him, “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.”
The Commissioner further noted that the government was aware of certain practices within the Complex where some shop owners, mostly elders within the business complex, allegedly allot the spaces in front of their shops to petty traders, sometimes even measuring the portions with rulers and exploiting them financially.
He assured that the government was already taking necessary steps to address such excesses in a fair and balanced manner to protect the interests of all categories of traders and ensure that the Complex remains conducive for legitimate business activities.
He stressed that the present administration of Governor Seyi Makinde was committed to providing an enabling environment for commerce to thrive and would not take any decision capable of crippling business activities in the state.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Olajide Okesade reaffirmed the government’s position, adding that necessary security arrangements had been put in place to ensure peace and order at the business complex.
He said, “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.”
He continued, “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 government therefore appealed to the public to ignore false information and rely solely on official statements from relevant authorities.
