The newly emerged Iyaloja-General of Oyo State, Princess Folashade Azeezat Abeo Nurudeen, has called for greater economic empowerment, improved welfare and increased access to government interventions for market women, traders and artisans across the state.
She made the call during a strategic meeting with the National Director of Women Coordination of the Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation (MDPCO), Hon. (Mrs.) Toyin Balogun, and the leadership of the Oyo State Amalgamation of Traders and Artisans (OYSATA). The meeting provided an opportunity for the Iyaloja-General to highlight the challenges confronting the market community, particularly the need for sustainable financial assistance, business support and programmes capable of improving traders’ livelihoods amid rising living costs.
Princess Abeo Nurudeen expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde for recognising the longstanding demand of the market community for the establishment of the office of Iyaloja-General, describing the development as a significant step towards strengthening unity, coordination and effective representation among traders across Oyo State. She, however, emphasised that market women, traders and artisans needed tangible economic benefits, inclusive policies and direct access to empowerment opportunities that would strengthen their businesses and improve their families’ welfare.
In her remarks, Hon. (Mrs.) Toyin Balogun extended warm greetings and goodwill to the market community in Oyo State, recognising its vital contributions to commerce, food distribution, employment and grassroots economic development. She described traders and artisans as an indispensable pillar of the economy, not only in Oyo State but throughout the South-West and Nigeria at large. Balogun expressed solidarity with market women, men and artisans facing economic challenges, wishing them greater prosperity, thriving businesses, improved purchasing power and sustainable livelihoods. She also commended the Iyaloja-General and market leaders for their roles in promoting unity, peaceful coexistence and cooperation among traders, expressing hope that stronger collaboration among market associations across Oyo State, the South-West and the country would create a more united voice for the protection of traders’ interests and the advancement of their welfare.
The meeting was attended by the Iyaloja of Ibadanland; Hon Nike Arewa; member of Local Govt Service Commission, Alhaja Oyinda Iswat Ameringun, Hon Taiwo Ige Coordinator of OYOSATA the umbrella body for all Market Clusters & all Artisanal Groups and Business Groups in Oyo State, Asiwaju Iya Alaje; officials of the MDPCO National Women Coordination Directorate; members of the Iyaloja-General’s entourage; and representatives of the Association of Community Market Women and Men of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter. Meanwhile, OYSATA reaffirmed preparations for its proposed mega endorsement rally in support of Seyi Makinde’s presidential ambition, Bimbo Adekanmbi’s governorship aspiration and other Allied Peoples Movement candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections. Scheduled for Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the Oyo State House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, the rally is expected to bring together traders, artisans and political stakeholders, with the market community seeking greater recognition, inclusive governance and practical measures to improve its economic wellbeing.
