The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara on Monday condemned the recent decision by the state government to erect walls against businesses at Challenge, Unity, Post Office, and other key business areas in the Ilorin metropolis.
In a statement by the state chairman of the opposition party, Babatunde Mohammed, he described the action as an act of economic sabotage capable of affecting youth population of Kwara state negatively.
Meanwhile, the state commissioner for Works and Transport, Abdulquawiy Olododo, has said that the state government erected the walls to ensure free flow of vehicular traffic and protect pedestrian walkways on the roads.
The commissioner, who said that the infrastructure is part of urban renewal project of the state government, added that activities of businesses along the roads had caused auto accidents and defaced the state capital for many years.
It was gathered that some business owners staged a peaceful protest in the state capital on Monday against the erection of the walls.
The PDP state chairman, who urged the young entrepreneurs to continue to conduct themselves peacefully, assured residents that the PDP government will reverse the policy in 2027.
“The PDP sympathizes deeply with all affected victims of this scheme, especially those protesting this act of the government. We assure them that if elected in 2027, a PDP-led government will prioritize the immediate removal of all these walls, restoring access and opportunities for businesses to thrive.
“The PDP notes 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 fences, which has affected access to small-scale businesses, demonstrates a complete lack of empathy and consideration for the impact this will have on business owners, their families and the local economy by the current administration”.
The opposition party also called on security agencies to intervene and ensure safety and rights of the youth entrepreneurs.
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