PROTEST: CHALLENGE MARKET TRADERS PROTEST FENCE BLOCKAGE, APPEAL TO KWARA STATE GOVERNMENT

By

Sulayman Sherif Olamilekan 

Traders at the Challenge Market in Ilorin, Kwara State, staged a peaceful protest on January 13, 2025, to appeal to the state government to create effective entrances to the challenge market. 

ONGOING PROTEST IN CHALLENGE ON 13TH JANUARY 2025

The protest was led by numerous Challenge market leaders and Executive Chairman of the Challenge Market, Mallam Garba Ibrahim, emphasized that the fence blockage is crippling their businesses and affecting their livelihoods.

The traders are seeking alternative entrances to the market, citing that the current blockage is affecting their businesses, livelihoods and they emphasized that the fence blockage has resulted in a significant decline in sales” he said

He expressed concerns about safety and security, noting that the blockage has made it difficult for them to respond to emergencies such as fire outbreaks or theft.

Mallam Garba Ibrahim stated that the traders have made several attempts to contact the state government, but to no avail. He explained that the fence, although intended to beautify the state, has become a hindrance to their daily activities. 

CHALLENGE FENCE 

The traders are not opposing the fence but are begging the government to provide up to ten entrances to facilitate access to the market and if the state government want it to be gated they’ll do it to their best.

Comrade Alao Semiu Olayinka, Chairman for the Kwara State Phone and Accessories Dealers, highlighted that 95% of the traders at the Challenge Market are youths who rely solely on their businesses to survive. 

He emphasized that the fence blockage has resulted in a significant decline in sales, making it challenging for traders to pay back loans and sustain their families.

“I have 5 apprentice and workers I paid salaries to, with the fence blockage there is no way I can effectively access my shops likewise my customers, where is no sales there no business and paying salaries as become very hard” he said.

COMRADE ALAO SEMIU OLAYINKA 

The traders are appealing to the Kwara State Government to listen to their concerns and provide sufficient passage for traders and customers to access the market. They believe that the government's support is crucial to their survival and the well-being of their families.

Amoptech Chairman, Salman Abdulwahab Harazy emphasized that the Challenge Market is a hub for business activities, and the lack of entrances is affecting the traders' ability to operate. LL

“Challenge market is meant for human beings that are involve in daily business activities, how are we suppose to enter our workspace without an entrance” he cited.

AMOPTECH CHAIRMAN SALMAN ABDULWAHAB HARAZY WITH ILORIN NEWS NETWORK REPORTERS

He included that 97 percent of challenge entrepreneurs are graduates and they have numerous PHD, Masters, Degree, HND holders satisfied with their businesses but the blockage has really affected their lives.

Musa Abdullateef, Chairman Board of Trustee (BOT) Challenge Traders Association, noted that the government's decision to construct the fence without providing adequate entrances has been detrimental to the traders.

He emphasized that as citizens of Kwara State who voted for the current government, they expect to be heard and have their concerns addressed, particularly as tax-paying citizens. 

He explained that the Executive was suspended due to the slow progress in resolving the issue through letters and meetings with the government. 

Abdullateef also posed a critical question: “if the government were to chase us away from the Challenge Market, where did they be expect us to continue our businesses and provide for our families?”

Olanrewaju Davis, KWAPTECH Chairman Challenge Zone, lamented that the fence blockade affects not only the traders but also their families and the entire state.

KWAPTECH CHAIRMAN OLANREWAJU DAVIS 

He said most of the traders are unable to payback bank loans and it as become a threat to their lives. The business activities in challenge as effectively carried along many youths and it as enables many youths to feed themselves responsibly

Olanrewaju Davis emphasized that the Challenge Market has boosted employment opportunities in Kwara State, providing jobs for both young and older individuals.

The traders are hopeful that the Kwara State Government will respond to their plea and provide the necessary support to ensure their businesses thrive.

REPORTER

Siyanbola Rukayat Adeola 

Sunday Modupe Grace 

Adeleke Adewale Elijah 

Abdulrasaq Rofiat Opeyemi

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Adelaja Eniola David

Daramola Kehinde

Oyediran Babarinde jacob

Abubakar Sikiru 

VOLUNTEERS 

Alao Mujeeb kayode

Olorinisola Gbolahan

Adewala Hammed Yinka 

CHIEF EDITOR

Sulayman Sherif Olamilekan