In a striking display of how technology can drive human capacity and community development, kakalistiq.com reports that the Epe-Ero market located in the Ikorodu Garage area has undergone a quiet revolution, one lit up by the glow of solar-powered street lights.
Renewable energy, especially solar lighting, is one of the most transformative innovations of our time. And when paired with something as fundamental as local trade, the results can be game-changing.
Epe Federal Constituency, under the representation of Rep. Wale Raji, has once again tapped into this synergy by rejuvenating night trading at one of the busiest markets in the constituency.
In November 2024, Rep. Wale Raji paid a visit to the market space based on growing requests from traders and other market stakeholders on the need to provide solar lights.
The significance of solar lighting in a commercial hub like this cannot be overstated. Beyond illuminating dark corners, it enhances safety, extends business hours, boosts sales, and creates a more vibrant economic environment.
Following the installation, a visit to the market revealed a remarkable transformation. The space, once plagued by darkness at dusk, now radiates with energy.
At night, traders were seen sorting their goods. Shipment of goods also arrived after the other, and the traders bore their minds about the development. At about 4 am, trading had started when the market was visited, and it was indeed an exciting experience to see.
The testimonies from these traders were no fallacies, they were excited to trade and make profits under the new luminous environment where the night was banished.
Elizabeth Adekoya, in an interview, said: “It’s very nice. We like it and we are enjoying it. Whenever we bring our goods here, the light brightens up everywhere. We work with it, it doesn’t trip off anyhow. Anytime we’re here, we tighten and sort our vegetables with ease. We stay here till midnight before we go home.”
A trader named Idris, in his reaction, explained that the Epe-Ero Market gets the volume of trade the night before from various places. He narrated that business transactions begin around 5 am as number of buyers besiege the market from neighbouring communities such as Eputu, Baba Adisa, Ajah and other far distances.
“Before now, we used a torch to see, which doesn’t make sense, but now solar power has made it easy.”
According to Omoshola Awodola, she noted that the market space has significantly improved trading as people come around not only to trade but to “flex.” “Before the light was installed, this place was like a ghost town but after the solar installation, it became very cool for trading. We appreciate this development but we still need more,” she added.
Mrs Kehinde who sells tubers of yams noted that trading used to be extremely dull until the solar installation. “This place is now brighter that you can see the faces of people you’re transacting business with clearly when they visit the market.”
Mummy Esther, who deals in fruits, narrated that it wasn’t a lie that they see through their mobile phones’ torch. “This market used to be very dark and as a result, our customers get discouraged from trading with us. But now, we are enjoying the lights, they’re very bright.” “The difference between our previous experience before the installation and now is that it has astronomically increased the influx of customers, and we’re now making more sales,” she averred.
Adding to the number of traders who shared their experiences, Basirat who came to support her mum in receiving an 18-seater bus loaded with tubers of yam, stated that their customers shifted the timing of their purchases till the morning due to the darkness that used to envelope the market. “They now transact with us at night. It’s now okay, we now see everybody,” she said.
This initiative is just one of many technology and human capital development-driven projects springing up under Rep. Wale Raji’s watch. From constructing schools and ICT centres to upgrading healthcare and roads, his efforts continue to leave indelible marks. But in Epe-Ero, where night has now turned into an opportunity, the light speaks for itself.
