Challenge Market, a hub for electronic gadgets such as phones, laptops, and spare parts, is also a vital training ground for youth learning to repair these devices.
Business owners at Challenge Market in Ilorin, Kwara State, have protested the erection of a fence by the state government, which they alleged has adversely affected their businesses.
Challenge Market, a hub for electronic gadgets such as phones, laptops, and spare parts, is also a vital training ground for youth learning to repair these devices.
Meanwhile, the market contributes to the state’s economy and provides self-employment opportunities for thousands of residents.
Speaking with SaharaReporters on Tuesday, the market’s chairman, Mallam Garba Ibrahim, explained the economic and safety implications of the fence.
“This market is a major source of revenue for the state and a place where many youths earn a livelihood. The fence has restricted access, reducing patronage. We need multiple entrances to ensure business thrives and to safeguard lives in case of emergencies,” Ibrahim stated.
He expressed concerns about the potential for stampedes, referencing incidents across the country where inadequate exits during emergencies led to tragic outcomes.
“With only one road now, God forbid anything unusual happens — it could result in loss of lives,” he added.
Mallam Garba also stated the economic importance of Challenge Market. “This is a place of self-employment where people support each other. If this market suffers a setback, it will have a ripple effect on the state’s economy.”
“We are not saying we want to pull down everything. Nobody is saying they want to destroy anything. We are law-abiding citizens engaged in legitimate business and exercising our rights here.
“We are appealing to the government. The governor is our father, our mentor, and a leader who listens. We are asking him to come to our aid,” he said.
According to the chairman, “Our primary demand is for additional entrances to facilitate patronage and ensure safety. In case of an emergency, how can a rescue team access us? We are pleading with the governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to address this urgent need and provide us with more entrances.
“Currently, there are about 30 to 40 complexes in this area. If the government can provide us with 10 additional entrances, it would suffice. We have always supported the governor, and now we are appealing to him to support us. These entrances are our only request.
“Everyone is aware of the current economic situation in the country. I can confidently say that Challenge is a crucial hub for Kwara’s economy. This is the only place where youths from across the 16 local government areas converge.”
He said each youth here represents an entire family in their community. “For every 1,000 youths working here, you can estimate that they indirectly support 10,000 individuals,’ he said.
Mallam Garba explained that Challenge is a hub of self-employment where people help one another. He noted that if there’s a disruption here, it will significantly affect the state’s economy.
“The revenue department knows the contributions we make at Challenge every month. We play a vital role in supporting the state’s economic stability.
Speaking to the media, the chairman emphasised that creating more entrances is essential for public safety and economic growth.
“God forbid an unusual incident happens here. Without additional entrances, how would a rescue team reach us in time to save lives?
“We need entrances not only for better patronage, which sustains livelihoods, but also for safety.
“Given the frequent stampedes and accidents reported across the country, having only one narrow road here poses a grave risk. God forbid there is an emergency — it could lead to significant loss of life,” he added.
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