Defying the harrowing fuel and new naira notes scarcity, textile traders in the popular Idumota Market have reaffirmed their unflinching support for the anticipated victory of the Presidential Candidate and National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The traders gave the reassurance when they staged a solidarity walk on Thursday, 9 February, 2023 in the popular Lagos Island market.
The solidarity walk which was organized by Alhaja Kudirat Oyinlomo Danmole kicked off from beneath the pedestrian bridge into the market as leaders and traders from 10 textile divisions of the market all donning APC-branded tops and caps became the cynosure of all eyes in the market.
In her address at the Oluwole Park where the walk terminated, the Convener, Alhaja Kudirat Adunni Oyinlomo-Danmole explained that the solidarity walk and show of support had become pertinent given Tinubu’s impressive track record when he was the Governor and Sanwo-olu’s sterling performance, so far.
“The essence of this rally is to support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our workaholic governor, Mr. Sellable, Mr. Sanwo-Olu and other candidates of the APC especially all our candidates in Lagos island both east and west. Asiwaju is the best man for the job because he did numerous things in Lagos State when he was the governor. Governor Sanwo-Olu is doing many wonderful things on the Island and that is what is motivating us to give them the support because we believe they are going to give their best. They will drive Nigeria to promise land.
She went on to charge the generality of market men and women to come out en masse and vote for all candidates of the party.
Her words; “My words to market women and men (in general) is to come out en mass and vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the governor and other APC Candidates.”
Corroborating Danmole’s words, the Iyaloja General of Textile Traders in Lagos Island, Alhaja Risikat Amori Odumosu reiterated that every trader in the market will vote for Tinubu as well as the state governor and other candidates of the party in the election.
Her words: “He (Tinubu) is our father and as you know very well, he is the son of our mentor, our late matriarch, Alhaja Abibatu Ashabi Mogaji. He’s been with us from inception. We are his’, he is ours. Not anyone in the market will not vote for Tinubu. On Lagos Island, the PVC that the traders have is over three thousand. As we are canvassing for Sanwo-Olu, we are doing so for our father, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is ours! Awalokan. There is no doubt that he will get a h voters of Lagos Island traders. We are enjoying the legacies of our late matriarch. It is only expected of us to give support to her son and that’s what we are doing,” she said.
The event which featured intermittent music from popular Fuji Musicians, Alhaji Suleiman Alao popularly known as Atawewe has party stalwarts and supporters in attendance.
The Deputy Chairman of the party in Lagos State, Moshood Maiyegun commended the traders for standing with Tinubu and APC, as a party, as he urged them to transform their support into votes come February 25th and March 11 Polls.
In his remarks, the former Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Hon. Oyinlomo Danmole commended the market traders for what he tagged unprecedented solidarity from their end.
He impressed it on them that they should not only deliver their votes for Tinubu but garner votes from their neighbors, friends and family.
On his part, the Chairman of Lagos Island East LCDA, Hon. Muibi Folawiyo was full of praise for the traders as he challenged others to rise to Tinubu and APC’s support.
He expressed his confidence and optimism that, will all stakeholders like textile traders contributing their quota, Lagos Island will maintain its spot as the powerhouse of votes in the coming election.
The Chairman of Lagos State Parks and Garage Management (LASPGM) Alhaji Musililu Akinsanya; the Treasurer, Alhaji Mustapha Sego; among other market leaders and party stalwarts graced the event.
