Osun Govt Suspends Weekly Markets Indefinitely

As part of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Osun State, the state government has directed that all markets transacted on weekly basis across the state be suspended indefinitely.

This is just as it embarked on a sensitization exercise to educate market women under the aegis of Association of Osun Market Women on the virus and the need for them to practise good hygiene.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Rafiu Isamotu, who led the government delegation on the sensitisation visit to the market women, disclosed the government’s decision to shut down the weekly markets.

Dr. Isamotu stated that the lockdown was necessary due to the fact that Osun has boundaries with some states that have cases of the COVID-19, adding that people from neighbouring states patronise the weekly markets, which he said, makes Osun open to the disease.

He added that only the daily market, which attract relatively low patronage as against the weekly markets would be allowed to go on for now, but with strict precautionary measures in place.

The Commissioner, therefore, urged the market women to support government’s effort in containing the spread of the disease by putting up hand-washing points and providing sanitizers for everyone who patronise them.

He also warned people against loitering at markets, urging them to leave immediately after performing their transactions.

He maintained that Osun government under the leadership of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola was ready to combat the deadly virus, hence the proactive measures set up to protect the citizens.

In her remark, the Special Adviser to Osun Governor on Commerce, Cooperatives and Industries, Mrs. Christiana Ogunfolaju, said that safety measures are one of the keys to overcome the spread of Coronavirus and any other disease.

She urged the market women present at the meeting to pass on the message to others who were not present.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women, Children and Social Affairs, Barrister Mrs. Olubukola Olaboopo advised the market women to ensure compliance and good hygiene and to notify appropriate authorities if anyone is suspected to be infected with the virus.

The Osun Iyaloja General, Alhaja Awawu Asindemade in her address appreciated the state governor for the proactive measures taken in ensuring the safety of the citizens.