In a bid to foster progress and address ongoing crises within the Oyo State market community, the Coalition of Oyo State Market Youth Forum has called for immediate inclusion in the Oyo State Market Council. The forum, representing all 33 local governments and five zones of the state, is led by Comrade Adetunji Sikiru Abidemi, popularly known as Sikol, who serves as the Olori Odo Oloja of Oyo State.
The coalition in a statement signed to 9ja News 24/7 emphasized the critical role of youth involvement in ensuring the development and smooth operation of the state’s markets. Speaking on behalf of the group, Comrade Adetunji urged the state government to recognize the youth’s contribution to the market sector and include their representatives in council meetings and activities.
The forum demanded that youth representatives be part of the Market Council starting from its next meeting. Highlighting the importance of this move, the coalition pointed out that youth inclusion would bring fresh perspectives and energy to solving challenges faced by traders and market stakeholders.
The forum also made a passionate appeal to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, to facilitate their inclusion. They presented the following reasons for their request:
- Youth Empowerment: The forum noted that as “the future of the nation,” the youth require opportunities to contribute meaningfully, especially under a “youthful governor” like Engr. Makinde, who has shown commitment to empowering young people.
- Market Development: They argued that youth involvement would drive the progress of the market community, ensuring smooth operations and better support for genuine traders.
Furthermore, the coalition reminded the governor of his heritage as a prominent son of Ibadan and the son of a market woman, Mama Abigail Makinde, urging him to view their request as a matter of importance to his administration’s goals.
The forum concluded by requesting that the Ministry of Commerce and Trade in Oyo State facilitate their inclusion and ensure a productive partnership for the benefit of the market community.
