Poised to enhance the safety and well-being of both traders and customers, the Market Men and Women of Ikorodu Central recently organized a stakeholders meeting themed around fire safety and prevention.
The gathering which took place at Ikorodu Local Government Secretariat Hall on the 29th of May 2024 saw the participation of key stakeholders including representatives from Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), Lagos State Fire Rescue Service, and Environmental Sanitation.
With a primary objective to foster deeper understanding and knowledge among market participants regarding the roles and responsibilities of various agencies, such as the Lagos State Fire Rescue Service, Environmental Sanitation, and Kick Against Indiscipline, in ensuring the safety and cleanliness of the market environment.
Endorsed by the Lagos State Government to mitigate the devastating impact of fire incidents that have afflicted communities and markets across the state, the event commenced with an opening prayer led by Mrs. Shodipo Sherifat, Iya-Oloja Ejina, setting a solemn tone for the proceedings.
Notable figures in attendance included Mr. Oluwasanya Temitayo, Assistant Chief of the Lagos State Fire Rescue Services, Mrs. Oyebode Abiola, Fire Officer, San. Matthew Aganano, Head of Sanitation Department, Mrs. Adewunmi Kehinde, and Mr. Wale Famuhiwa, Area Commander of KAI Ikorodu.
During the meeting, participants engaged in discussions covering various aspects of fire safety and prevention, including the importance of adhering to fire safety protocols, proper handling of inflammable materials, and the need for regular fire drills and inspections.
Additionally, the roles of Environmental Sanitation and Kick Against Indiscipline in maintaining cleanliness and orderliness within the market premises were underscored.
Mrs. Princess (Alhaja) Osho Adebukola, the Iya-Oloja of Ikorodu Central, (showing appreciation towards effective collaboration in her opening remarks) extended her gratitude to the Executive chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Wasiu Adesina for his support towards the enhancement of market activities in the region.
She commended the council boss on his consistent and fervent contributions towards the growth and vitality of the local market.
Mrs. Osho subsequently explained the importance of orientation for market stakeholders, stressing the need for collaboration between market representatives and government officials.
She highlighted the significance of mutual understanding and effective communication between the two entities, stating, “There are many aspects of market operations where we lack understanding, and we require enlightenment to ensure seamless cooperation between the market and government.”
Furthermore, Mrs. Osho urged all present Market Men and Women to remain focused and actively engage in the knowledge-sharing sessions to facilitate meaningful dialogue and foster a conducive environment for collaboration.
She demonstrated the importance of acquiring relevant information and skills to empower market stakeholders in their interactions with one another.
The gathering served as a platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas, with Mrs. Osho expressing optimism for the future of the market and its stakeholders.
Shedding light on the essence of the program, Mr. Oluwasanya Temitayo, Assistant Chief of the Lagos State Fire Rescue Service, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to enlighten Market Men and Women in Ikorodu on the causes and prevention of fire outbreaks.
Addressing the traders, Mr. Temitayo detailed the importance of proactive measures in averting fire disasters, citing past incidents that have resulted in significant loss of lives and property worth billions of naira.
He emphasized the need for continuous orientation programs to educate market stakeholders on fire safety protocols and preventive measures.
Highlighting the common causes of fire outbreaks in markets, Mr. Temitayo identified factors such as breeze, heat, oil, and electricity as potential ignition sources.
He cautioned against complacency and urged market leaders to establish safety committees to monitor environmental hazards and ensure adherence to safety standards within the market premises.
Moreover, Mr. Temitayo stressed the critical role of early detection and prompt action in containing fire incidents.
He reminded the traders that fire often start small and escalate rapidly, stating the importance of swift intervention to prevent catastrophic outcomes.
Market traders were further urged to exercise caution and vigilance, as a minor fire outbreak could lead to the destruction of entire market structures.
In addition, Mr. Temitayo called for collective responsibility in maintaining a fire-safe environment, urging market leaders to discourage smoking within the market and to enforce proper disposal practices to prevent accidental fires.
He reiterated the importance of raising the alarm and promptly contacting the fire rescue service in the event of a fire emergency, emphasizing the emergency hotline numbers 767 and 112.
Mr. Mathew Adanago, a fire officer , expressed gratitude to the market men and women for their continuous dedication and presence in serving the populace.
Stressing the significance of cleanliness, Mr. Adanago explained its crucial role in preventing fire outbreaks and promoting overall hygiene, which directly impacts public health.
“Neatness is not only a virtue but a necessity,” remarked Mr. Adanago, underlining the importance of maintaining clean surroundings as a preventive measure against potential fire hazards.
He noted that the lack of hygiene has contributed significantly to the prevalence of various illnesses across the country, urging market traders to prioritize cleanliness as a means to safeguard both their businesses and the health of their customers.
In addition to advocating for cleanliness within market premises, Mr. Adanago urged market traders to refrain from dumping waste into drainage systems.
“You can stop fire, but you can’t stop flood,” he stated, emphasizing the need for proper waste disposal to ensure the smooth flow of drainage channels and mitigate the risk of flooding during heavy rains.
He stressed the importance of personal hygiene practices among market traders, urging them to take proactive measures to safeguard their own well-being and that of their customers.
Market Leader, Mrs. Shodipo Sherifat reiterated the need for proactive measures to address sanitation issues within the market.
She appealed to sanitation authorities, particularly the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), to increase their frequency of waste collection in the market premises.
“A clean environment is essential for our well-being,” she emphasized, urging for timely intervention to maintain hygiene standards and curb the spread of diseases.
Mr. Wale Famuhiwa, the Area Commander, expressed concern over the lack of synergy between market authorities and law enforcement agencies.
Extending appreciation to Mrs. Shodipo Sherifat, the Iya-Oloja Ejina of Ikorodu, for her efforts in facilitating dialogue, Mr Wale stressed the need for greater collaboration to address pressing issues.
He discussed the inherent risks associated with placing market activities on roadsides, highlighting the potential for accidents and traffic congestion.
“When we are looking for what to eat, may we not encounter what can harm us,” he urged, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety measures to prevent accidents and ensure the smooth flow of traffic in the area.
Furthermore, he called upon all stakeholders to heed his plea for cooperation, underscoring the collective responsibility in achieving progress and maintaining order within the market.
Echoing the sentiments of cooperation after the orientation, Mrs. Princess (Alhaja) Osho Adebukola, the Iya-Oloja of Ikorodu Central, concluded the program by urging all market traders to utilize their resources wisely and work together towards common goals.
“Let us speak with one voice for progress,” she implored, emphasizing the importance of unity in achieving positive outcomes within the market community.
Mrs. Osho expressed gratitude to all stakeholders and encouraged active participation in initiatives aimed at improving the market environment.
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