The axiom, Every disappointment is a blessing, is true in the case of Messrs. Chris Nweke, Vincent Ohanaba and hordes of other former traders displaced from the Yaba Market, Lagos, about three months ago.The affected traders were displaced in August 2011 when the market was demolished by the Lagos State Government task force.With the demolition, commercial activities at the market, noted as a major centre for second-hand clothes, shoes, and books ended with the fate of many of the displaced traders hanging in the balance.But succour came their way when the majority of the traders were absorbed into the Nigerian Army Shopping Arena at Ikeja Military Cantonment, Lagos.The complex is a product of a public/private participation between the army and Woobs Resources Limited.Although the traders were not absorbed free, many of them said it was a better deal compared to where they were coming from.When PUNCH METRO visited the sprawling complex opened for business about three years ago, on Saturday, the traders said they were happy to be in the complex.Nweke, who is currently the leader of New Materials section of the complex, said The Arena is a much better place because of its business-friendly environment.He said, Here, we are happy. When we were forcibly evicted from Yaba Market, we thought that was the end of life. But since we came here, the difference has been clear. All the years we stayed there were like the years of the locust.We were trading as if we werent. We used to pay all manner of charges. What about the activities of area boys who were fond of feasting on us' It was a horrible experience. We thank God we were able to find spaces in this place. Here, nobody disturbs us. The payment plan is business-friendly. Since we came here, we have discovered the two markets were worlds apart.Ohanaba also corroborated Nwekes story, adding that he felt liberated.I am indeed liberated from the shackles of miscreants and council officials who feasted on us like leeches. On a daily basis then, we coughed up money that was not accounted for. I am now happy and dignified.Our customers now have places to park their cars in The Arena unlike before when our customers constituted traffic snarls in Yaba. I thank God for the destruction of the stalls at Yaba. It is indeed a blessing in disguise. The security here is superb.The Managing Director, Woobs Resources Limited, Mr. Whoba Ogo, confirmed the absorption of the traders into the complex.He said the vision behind The Arena, as the complex is famously called, was to accommodate all, while providing exceptional world-class facilities that would meet the shopowners and shoppers needs.Over 1,600 displaced traders from Yaba Market have been allocated shops and since commenced trading at The Arena, Ogo stated.He said the complex is meant for all classes of traders, urging the new traders to conduct themselves well to enjoy doing business at the market.The Brigade Commander, Ikeja Military Cantonment, Brig-Gen. Sanusi Muazu, assured the traders of their safety in the complex.In terms of security, Muazu told the traders to go about their business without fear.He said, Let me sound it clearly that the Nigerian Army will not tolerate any form of indiscipline at the complex. Traders are expected to conduct themselves well. Let me assure them that the place is good for doing business.We will ensure there is internal security in the shopping complex. There is no cause for alarm. Also, the fear of exploitative tendencies by area boys should be dismissed as they cannot enter into the place.
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