.Say Okada ban affecting them
By Kola Alhassan
Traders in Ipodo Market in Ikeja axis of Lagos State spoke to this
reporter on how the badly hit economy can be fixed by the next administration.
Lukman Raji, a meat seller said: “Those who take over next year should make sure they create policies that would ease the burden of the common man; eating regularly is tough, sadly, N5000 cannot buy you all you need, everything is expensive. The cow we buy for N100,000 is now between N400,000 and N500,000. It was not like that before. This should not be the case when a new government comes in.
He also noted that the Okada ban was impacting traders, though it was for the good of citizens.
He said: “The Okada ban is affecting our movement to the market. Before now, we get to the market very early because we use Okada, but now we get to here late because of traffic jam. Since it is for our good, we try to adapt.”
For a trader who identified herself as Mrs Momoh, the economy needs a fresh breath. She lamented that doing business has not been easy, adding that micro finance banks who give loans require double interest.
“The situation of the economy is terrible. Micro finance banks require double interest after giving loans. Government should empower us here in Ipodo Market. Business without money is useless. The situation is tough for everyone. Look at our leaders buying nomination form of N100 million, instead of empowering traders. Things are so tough that it is even hard to give money to beggars. People are struggling to eat and pay their bills, even those of us who own businesses. We hope the situation and struggle will end when a new administration comes on board,” she said.
On Okada ban, she said: “It is really affecting us. We cannot move like before especially on bad roads.”
On her part, Roseline Olaseni, a cloth seller, noted that despite the change mantra of this present administration, the economy has been badly managed with prices of commodities soaring every time.
According to her, there is nothing to expect as regards boosting the economy. Rice was a little over N6,000 when this administration came onboard, now it is 28,000 and above. “That is real change. I don’t have a voters card and I don’t intend to vote.”
Another trader who is disillusioned, and refused to be named, said he was not expecting any magic from those who would be at the helm of affairs next year.
“I am not expecting any magic the next administration. What is there to expect? Nothing is working in the country despite the sweet talk and promises of leaders,” he said.
