Ondo trade fair occupants plead for more time before demolition

Govt seeks world class business environment, denies plan to demolish Shoprite

SEQUEL to the plan by Ondo State Government to demolish the Trade Fair Complex in Akure, occupants of the buildings have appealed to the state government to extend the 14-day quit notice issued to them for evacuation.

They appealed for an extension of at least three or six months to enable them relocate their businesses to a more suitable place along Igbatoro Road, Akure.

The Guardian learnt that the state government had met with the tenants and occupants of the structures to intimate them of government’s intention to rebuild the moribund structures and put in place a state-of-the-art complex with the aim of generating more revenue for the state.

The state’s Commissioner for Commerce, Industries and Cooperative Services, Mrs. Lola Fagbemi, it was further learnt, had told the business owners that government would refund their money for this year’s rent, while they would be moved to the industrial park and mechanic village, among other areas in Akure.

BUT the General Secretary of the Registered Business Owners in the complex, Mr. Segun Akinwande, who spoke with The Guardian yesterday in Akure, noted that the association was in support of the state government’s initiative.

He, however, kicked against the short time notice issued to the tenants, saying that it would drastically affect their business activities and proper relocation.

MEANWHILE, the former Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, has refuted the alleged plan by the state government to demolish Shoprite, saying: “Instructively, Shoprite, without prejudice, serves as the precursor to the planned Central Business District.”

which hosts the proposed Five Star Hotel, the novel Entrepreneurs’ Village, Revenue House, the envisaged Business Hub with varied degrees of luxuries, development comforts and others in the pipeline along that strait. 

“Our plans for development, especially through credible investment drives, shall remain an enviable cruise throughout the tenure of the Rotimi Akeredolu-led administration. No amount of falsehood and blackmail will be given a chance to play any role.

“On our part, the present administration desires not to seek an unpleasant place in history as a conveyance belt to discourage investment and disincentive for development.”