Lagos State Government yesterday shut Owonifari market within the notorious loop of Oshodi, Oshodi/Isolo Local Government, aimed at addressing the security challenges in the axis.
It will be recalled that the State Government often arrest hoodlums in Oshodi to stern the activities of petty thieves who often deprive commuters of their property.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, who disclosed this, lamented that the market has constituted a menace and an eyesore within the locality.
Ayorinde noted that they have relocated affected traders and shop owners to the newly built Isopakodowo market stalls at Bolade area in Oshodi.
The government has also commenced the fencing-off of the set-back on Agege Motor Road that stretches from Ilupeju end of Oshodi all the way to the PWD/Ikeja GRA end of the area.
According to the statement, the Owonifari loop will be transformed into an ultra modern bus terminus with new bus shelters that are befitting of a structured park in a mega city.
It added that the fencing-off of the long stretch of the set-back is being undertaken to assist the Federal Government and the Nigerian Railway Corporation in particular with a view to beautifying it and safeguard lives along the railway corridor by discouraging street trading and indiscriminate use of the space.
Ayorinde said the ongoing fencing-off and beautification of the road set-back from Ilupeju bypass to PWD/Ikeja GRA would constitute the first phase of the transformation of the Oshodi area. The second phase, he added, would begin from PWD/Ikeja GRA and stretch all the way to Agege/Pen cinema axis.
He stated further that Lagosians should expect from this transformation exercise, a new Oshodi that will be sane and safe and where both traders and commuters would be pleased to visit and trade.
The commissioner assured that the traders being relocated have been properly allocated shops within the Isopakodowo market and that the demolition of the loop is in the best interest of the people who should expect a world-class bus terminus there.