Traders in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have called for the establishment of a modern market in the area to boost socio-economic activities.

The market leader in the council, Mrs Mogbonjubola Awoniyi, made the call during an inspection of markets in Omu-Aran, on Monday.

Awoniyi, who was accompanied by some market task force members, said the establishment of such modern market by the state government in partnership with the council was long overdue.

She said the renewed appeal was informed by the ongoing expansion and infrastructural development in the community. Awoniyi said with the establishment of MTN and Airtel service centres in the community, there was need for a befitting market to further enhance socio-economic development in the area.

She explained that her unscheduled visit was to ascertain the traders' level of compliance with a directive prohibiting the display of wares by the roadside. "The whole essence is to make them (traders) realise the dangers involved in engaging in trading activities very close to the road," she said.

The market leader also used the opportunity to appeal to some commercial banks in Omu-Aran that had closed their branches to reopen in the interest of the people. She noted that the development had impacted negatively on the economy of the town and forced some people out of business.