Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Tuesday, advised Nigerians to live harmoniously irrespective of ethnic or religious persuasions in order for the country to thrive.
Makinde stated this while inaugurating the Sasa ultramodern market facility with 200 lock-up shops, 84 units of open shops and motor parks.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Sasa market was rebuilt following two separate clashes among traders which led to an inferno that destroyed the old market.
He charged the market men and women to occupy the new facility to dwell in peace, urging the traders to see the new structure as a symbol of unity to everyone in the market.
“The separate incidents that occurred in November 2020 and February 2021 remain a footnote in history that should not repeat itself.
“We must not allow things like ethnicity, language, religion or any such matter to divide us.
“When the last incident happened, few of my colleagues came because people were concerned throughout Nigeria.
“And you know that if the incident was not well-managed then, it would have spread throughout the whole of the country, but we thank God for the management.
“So, I want to appeal to us that this new structure should become a symbol of unity and oneness.
“Each time we come to the market to buy or sell something, let it be a reminder that we are one,’’ the governor said.
Makinde used the occasion to reiterate the commitment of his administration to building infrastructure that targets the economy of the state.
He urged residents of the state to be vigilant as the general elections approach“ and to ensure that you reject politicians who lack simple knowledge of the state’s situation’’.