Janefrances Chibuzor
Adeeko Sunday-Ajilo, the General Coordinator of Epe Market’s Youth Association, has called for urgent government intervention to improve conditions of the famous Oluwo modern fish market in Epe, Lagos State. During a recent interview with the journalist in Epe, Sunday-Ajilo noted the ongoing challenges faced by traders and youth volunteers, particularly those working to maintain cleanliness and order in the market. Sunday-Ajilo stressed the critical need for government support to address issues such as inadequate infrastructure and security, which continue to hinder the market’s smooth operation.
Sunday-Ajilo, who coordinates the youth efforts in multiple markets across the region, emphasised the pivotal role the youth play in maintaining environmental sanitation in the market every Thursday. “The youth are responsible for ensuring the market is clean every Thursday. Without their effort, the markets would be in disarray,” he explained. However, despite their hard work, several persistent issues continue to hinder their efforts, with the lack of infrastructure being a primary concern.
“The most pressing issue is the absence of solar lights in the market. Fish often arrive at night, and without proper lighting, we are left to rely on torchlights. This makes it difficult to locate areas in the market, especially in the dark corners where fish are stored,” Sunday-Ajilo said. He believes that the installation of solar lights would not only improve the market’s functioning but also help boost the progress of the market in general.
The youth leader also revealed that the market’s electricity supply had been disrupted due to renovation efforts. “Before the renovations, we had electricity, but the poles were destroyed and relocated during the construction. Now, there’s no electricity connection at all, which has made the situation even worse,” Sunday-Ajilo lamented.
Despite these challenges, Sunday-Ajilo and his team are not giving up. He revealed that they have made repeated appeals to the local government for help. “We have taken our complaints directly to the government, including the local government chairman and the House of Assembly. They have promised to help us soon, but we are still waiting for action,” he said. He further mentioned that the government had pledged to provide support for a preservation facility for fish, but the project had stalled after an initial push from the House of Representatives. “The preservation facility was started by the government but is now abandoned. It would have helped with storing fish before they are transported to Lagos, but the facility is incomplete,” he added.
In addition to the lack of basic infrastructure, he also addressed the issue of security in the market. As a youth coordinator overseeing the market’s cleanliness and order, he plays a crucial role in ensuring there are no disturbances among the traders. “If there are any conflicts or issues in the market, the youth association steps in to resolve it. We always follow the instructions of the geologist in charge and ensure the youth adhere to the rules,” he said.
He noted that the youth in his group are not just volunteers but traders themselves, which creates a unique dynamic. “We have 20 youth volunteers, all of whom are traders in the market. The youth task force is crucial for maintaining order, and we ensure that every youth involved in the program understands their responsibility,” he explained. He added that in order to be part of the youth task force, one must also be a trader in the market, making it a program that connects market activities with community service.
His leadership is not only focused on cleaning and organising but also on fostering a sense of unity among the youth. “We meet every week to discuss how to stay on track, to ensure we are all following the proper procedures and not falling into bad habits. I hold orientations every month to remind them of the importance of maintaining order and following the rules,” he said.
Having served in this position for six years, Sunday-Ajilo experience has shaped his approach to leadership. “I was the assistant youth general coordinator before I took over. I have been doing this for a long time, and I have seen how much the youth have grown and contributed,” he said, reflecting on his tenure.
However, despite his years of experience, he is still grappling with resource constraints. Sunday-Ajilo and his team fund the youth task force’s activities out of their own pockets, including purchasing uniforms and materials needed for the youth to work effectively. “We do not receive any funding from the government. Everything we do is self-financed. We buy the uniforms, organise the cleaning supplies, and manage everything ourselves,” he stated.
Given the scale of the work involved, he appealed to the government for greater support. “We need the government’s help in covering the costs of the uniforms and supplies. This will enable us to continue the work we have been doing and make sure the market remains clean and functional,” he said, stressing that the local government must recognise the value of the youth’s contributions.
In a related discussion, Mrs. Abimola Olamiji, Youth Mother figure in the market and a trader who sells shrimps expressed her support for the youth efforts and called for more attention to be given to women in the market. “We face unique challenges as women in this market, but the work we do is vital for the community,” she said. Olamiji added that the market is primarily made up of women, and it is crucial that their efforts are recognised.
Reflecting on the challenges women face, Olamiji pointed out the need for better government support. “This market is made up mostly of women, and we do our best to support our families through our businesses. But we need the government’s help in making the market a safer and more supportive place for us,” she said. Olamiji, who has been selling shrimps in the market for five years, also encouraged the youth to stay focused on building their futures. “I always tell the youth to avoid falling into the trap of seeking quick money, which leads to bad behaviour. In this market, we are focused on working hard and staying disciplined,” she advised.
Olamiji’s message to the youth echoed a call for peace and stability in the country. “There are many temptations for young people today, but I advise them to be patient and work hard. They should avoid criminal activities and stay away from bad influences,” she said.
Despite the difficulties, both Sunday-Ajilo and Olamiji are hopeful for the future. They believe that with continued effort and government intervention, the markets in Epe can become safer, more organised, and more prosperous. “We need the government’s support to improve infrastructure, provide lighting, and help with the preservation facilities,” he concluded. “If these changes are made, the market will flourish, and the youth will have a better environment to work and thrive.”
As the youth task force continues to strive for a cleaner, safer market, it is clear that their work is not just about maintaining cleanliness, it is about building a community. With the right support, they believe their efforts can transform the market into a place that benefits all traders and the surrounding community.
