A recent increase in fire outbreaks at markets across Oyo State has led to an emergency stakeholders’ meeting aimed at finding solutions to the recurring problem.
Organized by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), South West Zonal Office, the meeting in Ibadan brought together representatives from NEMA, the Civil Defence Corps, fire services, Road Safety Corps, market leaders, and other key agencies.
During the gathering, Alhaja Sarata Konibaje, a prominent market leader, made a heartfelt appeal to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to address power supply challenges in the markets. She highlighted the role of unstable and high-voltage electricity in triggering fire incidents and stressed the urgent need for improvement.
“We need a reliable and efficient power supply to prevent fire outbreaks caused by high voltage and other related issues,” Konibaje stated. She emphasized the importance of collaboration between market leaders, government agencies, and utility providers like IBEDC to create a safer trading environment.
She further urged IBEDC to prioritize the provision of stable electricity, noting that such improvements are essential not only for safety but also for economic growth.
The stakeholders’ discussion also focused on identifying the root causes of the fire incidents, which included outdated electrical infrastructure and inadequate safety measures. Proposed solutions ranged from upgrading electrical systems and enhancing safety protocols to improving emergency response times and raising awareness among market traders and residents.
The meeting concluded with a call for collective action to prevent future occurrences and ensure the safety of market operators and their businesses.
https://www.instagram.com/share/reel/_zPH0fdww
