Protest by traders in Ilorin metropolis continued Tuesday around the Challenge Area, over grievances by shop owners against recent government actions that threaten their businesses and livelihoods.
The demonstrators, made up largely of shop owners, gathered in large numbers, holding placards with inscriptions such as:
“Don’t kill our business”
“No Challenge, No Kwara”
“Give us our road”
“We are not fraudsters”.
The protesters also invited a DJ who set up speakers to entertain the crowd with music. The atmosphere, though vibrant, underscores the seriousness of their demands.
Security personnel, including the police and the Kwara State Task Force, were deployed to maintain peace and order. Police vans and task force vehicles were stationed in the vicinity to ensure that the demonstration remains non-violent.
Grievances of the Protesters
Olamide, a computer science engineer and shop owner in the complex, expressed his frustration with the government’s decision to erect a fence around the shopping complex. He explained that the fence not only limits accessibility but that the government now plans to block the only entrance facing the main road, the primary route for customers and potential clients.
“The fence was already a problem for us,” Olamide lamented bitterly. “Now, they want to block the main entrance. How are we supposed to attract customers?”
Another shop owner, Olororo, who sells phones, asked how traders will make sales and pay tax when their stalls are fully barricade walls. “Are we prisoners”, he asked in exasperation?
Protesters Stand Firm
The resolve of the protesters seems unshaken, with many vowing to continue their demonstration until their demands are met. The crowd’s energy and the presence of music suggest they are prepared for a prolonged protest.
The Peoples Democratic Party has condemned in the strongest terms the decision of the state government to build walls that have shut business owners out in Challenge, Unity, Post Office, and other key business areas in the Ilorin metropolis submitting that the “action is not only an act of economic sabotage but also a calculated attempt to strangle the poor masses and enterprising youth population of Kwara, who rely on these areas for their livelihoods.”
“The PDP sympathizes deeply with all affected victims of this draconian economic strangulation scheme, especially those protesting this despicable act of the government.
“We assure them that if elected in 2027, a PDP-led government will prioritize the immediate removal of all these oppressive walls, restoring access and opportunities for businesses to thrive”, the PDP state Chairman, Hon Babatunde Mohammed, submitted in a statement issued in Ilorin.
The party has also urged security agencies to maintain their professionalism as they deal with protesters in the state capital.
Aggrieved traders and shop owners in the areas in question began a protest on Monday and condemned the Kwara State Government’s decision to build walls that have restricted access to their shops.
“The PDP notes with dismay the agitation of young business owners and entrepreneurs operating in the Challenge, Unity, and Post Office areas, which are considered the largest business hubs in Ilorin. The erection of these thoughtless fences, which has effectively shut down access to small-scale businesses, demonstrates a complete lack of empathy and consideration for the devastating impact this will have on business owners, their families, and the local economy by the current administration.
“Denying people access to their places of livelihood is not only callous but also an act of despotic recklessness. It is particularly shocking and deeply unfortunate that Governor Abdulrazaq ignored the years of hard work, personal sacrifices, and loans invested by these business owners before embarking on such a reckless, anti-people policy.
“We call on security agencies to rise above the governor’s recklessness and ensure the safety and rights of the protesting youth entrepreneurs.
“They must act responsibly and advise the governor that this action, if unchecked, could further escalate violence and criminal activities in Ilorin metropolis as hundreds of young people lose their means of livelihood.
“While we urge the protesting young entrepreneurs to conduct themselves peacefully and not play into the governor’s hands, we assure Kwarans that the PDP government in 2027 will reverse this executive rascality and dismantle all structures erected to suppress economic growth and strangle the poor masses”, the opposition PDP said.
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