Lagos residents support market relocation for theatre

Residents of Abule-Ijesha in the Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State say they are in support of the establishment of an arts theatre in their neighbourhood. The representatives of the community condemned the statement making the rounds that residents were against the project.
 
A youth leader in the community, Ahmed Jimoh, at a town hall meeting held in the neighbourhood, said those making the claim were hoodlums using the proposed site as a hideout.

He said: “Many shops in Kayode Market being proposed for the theatre are empty. Miscreants use them as a hideout. Indian hemp and other drugs are sold and used there without caution.

“The Baale of Abule ljesha, Chief Kolawole Dawodu, is urging Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to rescind his earlier decision to relocate the arts theatre to another part of the state.

The Baba Oja of the market, Mr. Nojeem Ajadi, said, “the leadership is not against the siting of the project.

“All we are asking for is inclusion and compensation as a result of the relocation challenges.”

Chairman of Yaba LCDA, Kayode Omiyale, said he had informed the traders about the project, adding that they would be relocated to a more conducive location.

He urged the people to see the project as that which will enhance the status of Abule-Ijesha and create employment for the youths.