The National Pepper Sellers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, has blamed the increase in the price of farm produce, especially pepper, on the hike in the pump price of premium motor spirits, otherwise known as petrol.
The president of the association, Alhaja Fausat Azeez, disclosed this during the conferment of the award of excellence on the Commissioner of Police, Oyo Command, Adebola Hamzat, at the state secretariat of the association, Oja “ba, Ibadan, on Friday.
She stated that an unofficial increase in the pump price of the PMS is taking its toll on the prices of various commodities, including pepper, at the market.
According to her, a family of four now spends between N8,000 and N10,000 to prepare a pot of soup that will not last more than three days. The situation is becoming unbearable.
She, therefore, appealed to the federal government to ensure a reduction in the price of gasoline, which indirectly contributes to the high price of food and other commodities in Nigeria.
On the award conferred on the CP, Azeez said the police helmsman has distinguished himself in ensuring the protection of lives and property in the state
She added that it is on record that the entire state has been enjoying relative peace since his assumption of office in the state
Azeez urged the police and other security agencies in the state to continue their excellent performance in ensuring the security of lives and property for the people of the state.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Adebola Hamzat, stated in his remarks that the Command would do everything possible to ensure the security of the downtrodden and other citizens of the state.
The commissioner of police said that his interaction with the downtrodden was initially informal, but from now on it would be informal, and he would be at their service 24/7.
Hamzat said that the welfare and security of the people were important functions of government, and the police, as an agency of government, would ensure citizens were protected and secured.
“We shall do everything possible to see that the downtrodden are secured,” Hamzat said.
The commissioner of police said that today was the happiest day for him in his 32 years of service, adding that the police have never been so honoured.
“This is unique to me because it shows that community policing is working
“If you have to look at the strata we have in society, you will want to look at these people as those you can ignore; actually, they are the society.
“These market women are members of the community, and if security fails, they will be more touched.
“They don’t have the money to have a personal guard; that means if they can be happy that Oyo State Police Command is doing well, I am so grateful,” Hamzat said.
He said that the market men and women in Oyo State contribute to the economy of the state and Nigeria in general through the payment of taxes, among others.
The police boss commended the association for recognising the performance of the police in ensuring the security of the state, adding that the award would forever be in his memory even after service.
The President of Magajis in Ibadan, Alhaji Asimiyu Adepoju, Ariori, said the commissioner of police and his men were doing wonderfully well in the state.
Ariori described Hamzat as humble and a servant of the people and urged him not to relent in his efforts to ensure peace in the state.
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