Oyo Market Women Tasked to Unite, Reclaim Voice in Governance

…At launch of Charter of Demand, speakers call for stronger cooperation, transparency, and government action to resolve leadership crisis in markets

Stakeholders have called for urgent government and traditional institutional action to resolve the leadership crisis, recognition issues, and lack of representation among market women in Oyo State.

The call was made at the launch of the Charter of Demand: Voices of Oyo State Market Women, which highlighted the historical and economic roles of market women in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Convener Mrs. Sherifah Taleat-Arafat traced the challenges facing market associations to internal divisions, political interference, and weak leadership structures.

She urged market leaders to embrace unity, fairness, transparency, and to be true voices of women rather than echoes of politicians.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, represented by Hon. Taiwo Ige, reaffirmed Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to peace and cooperation among market women, noting that unity would enable them to benefit more from government initiatives.

Also speaking, Mrs. Catherine Odokuru, representing the Federal Ministry of Finance and Budget, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving traders’ welfare through inclusive economic policies and financial empowerment.

She urged market associations to strengthen cooperation and accountability to ensure government interventions reach the intended beneficiaries.

The Iyaloja of Ibadanland, Alhaja Isiwat Amirungun, pledged to promote unity among market leaders for the progress and stability of markets across the state.