Iyaloja-General Urges Traders To Comply With COVID-19 Preventive Measures

By Sodiq Yusuf

The Iyaloja-General of the State of Osun, Alhaja Awawu Asindemade has urged traders and all marketers in the state to comply with all precautionary directives given by the government for the management of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Asindemade noted that regular hand washing, compulsory use of face masks, maintaining personal hygiene vis a vis adequate cleaning of market stalls and obeying physical distancing regulations are important to containing the spread of the deadly virus.

The head of the market women, who made the call while sensitizing traders at Oja Oba, Oluode, Ota-Efun and Woru markets in Osogbo enjoined traders not to flout government regulations with the enforcement of the 5pm -6am curfew.

She also distributed face masks, soap and hand sanitizers, among others to market leaders for distribution across the state.

Asindemade said: “We embarked on sensitization efforts across markets in the state to appeal to our people on the need to consciously protect themselves from this pandemic. It is very important for every one of us to obey all precautionary measures put in place by government to forestall the spread of COVID-19.

“As traders who sell to the people, we should maintain a great deal of personal hygiene. We should also comply with the compulsory use of face masks order by the government. Those selling edibles must embrace the use of hand gloves, regular hand washing, use of hand sanitizers and ensure that their stalls are kept clean.”

The Iyaloja-General commended the state government for allowing markets and businesses to run from 6am to 5pm on Mondays to Thursdays, a move she said will cushion the economic effects of the total lockdown earlier imposed to curb the spread of the novel virus.

She noted: “Government has really tried for us by allowing us to trade from Mondays to Thursdays. Those of us who were complaining before now have heaved a sigh of relief. We thank the Governor, Wife of the Governor and other stakeholders who have enabled trading and other market activities to continue.

“For us not to jeopardize this opportunity, all traders and marketers should make sure that they allow for physical distancing and avoid all habits that could expose them to the virus.

“As an association, we have provided free face masks, hand sanitizers, soap and other things needed for hand washing and personal protection for distribution across markets in the state. We would continue to do more and I charge all traders to key into this.”

Asindemade also saluted efforts of the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Kafayat Oyetola in the provision of palliatives and other incentives to aid the welfare of the people as the world battles the pandemic.