A recent surge in fire outbreaks in markets across Oyo State has prompted stakeholders to convene an emergency meeting to proffer solutions to the menace.
The gathering, organized by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), South West Zonal Office, Ibadan, brought together key stakeholders, including NEMA officials, Civil Defence Corps, Fire firefighters, Road Safety, Corps members, market leaders and others in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
Alhaja Sarata Konibaje, a prominent market leader in Oyo State, seized the opportunity to appeal to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to improve power supply to the markets.
Konibaje emphasized the need for a reliable and efficient power supply to prevent fire outbreaks caused by high voltage and others.
In her remarks, Konibaje stressed the importance of collaboration between market leaders, government agencies, and utility companies like IBEDC to ensure a safe and conducive trading environment.
She urged IBEDC to expedite efforts to provide a stable power supply to the markets, citing the company’s commitment to improving service delivery in the region.
Her words: “We need a reliable and efficient power supply to prevent fire outbreaks caused by high voltage and other issues.
“The current power supply situation is unacceptable and poses a significant risk to the safety of market traders and residents.
“Collaboration between market leaders, government agencies, and utility companies like IBEDC is crucial to ensuring a safe and conducive trading environment.
“I urge IBEDC to expedite efforts to provide a stable power supply to the markets, as this is essential to preventing fire outbreaks and promoting economic growth.”
The stakeholders’ meeting aimed to identify the root causes of the fire outbreaks and develop strategies to prevent future occurrences.
The discussion centered around the need for improved electrical infrastructure, enhanced safety measures, prompt responses and increased awareness among market traders and residents.
