Be conscious of security threats-Sanwo-Olu tells market leaders

First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Friday called on market stakeholders to be responsive and sensitive to security concerns, noting that such was important to avert attacks.

The First Lady who spoke at a one-day seminar organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO0, with the theme; “Market Sanitation, Security and Safety for Market Leaders”, in Surulere division of the state, charged market stakeholders to join up in the system of intelligence gathering by divulging information on security threats to the appropriate channels.

“We have purposely included the security and safety of our markets as part of the topics at this seminar for obvious reasons that security is everybody’s business, and as market men and women and community leaders, we must be conscious of the need to make our security a priority.

“When we see something, let us not only say something but do something to ensure that a potential security threat is nipped in the bud,” she told the market stakeholders.

She reiterating that there must be proper identification of all traders and people trading in markets across the state.

She said: Monitoring and evaluation of security activities in the market must be a daily affair and also in every community.

“As market men and women, you must take ownership of security in your markets, and you have to speak up and speak out loud and clear when you suspect any suspicious movement or activity around you.”

She further charged them to be sensitive to prevent fire outbreaks in the markets.

The first Lady further said it was essential to reject unhygienic practices in their entirety, including “indiscriminate dumping of waste, blocking of drainages, and street trading, among others.”

According to her, the seminar was in furtherance of efforts to ensure that market activities are conducted in a hygienic, safe, and secure environment.

In his address, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr. Bolaji Kayode Robert, said organising such programme “consistently over the years is a proof that with our concerted efforts, making Lagos State a 21st Century Economy is possible.”

He said the seminar addresses the fibre of the state of security and sanity of markets in Lagos State.

“Much vigilance and attention must be paid even to the tiniest detail in our markets, so as to guarantee safety of lives and properties,” he mentioned.

“No doubt, security and sanitation remain vital issues in our society, especially in our markets,” he said.

Commending the organisers of the programme, he assured continuity of efforts to enhance “the advocacy and sensitisation on market sanitation and security for market leaders.”

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, represented by Dr. Hassan Sanu, said with space limitation of the State in the face of teeming population, it was important for market stakeholders to conduct themselves responsibly, with conscious efforts to the management of market sites.

He said it was important for them to imbibe proper waste management in line with the demands of the recycling system for the green economy initiative of the state.

Managing Director, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, represented by Bola Adewunmi, appreciated the state governor for the support in line with waste management.

He called for proper waste sorting and management to make the waste-to-wealth system a reality in the state.