Some tech dealers in computer village, located in the Ikeja Local Govt of Lagos state, discontinued their regular activities for today, as they set out to protest against what they perceived as an unacceptable development.
Reason for the protest – The traders were protesting against the positioning of both male and female market leaders, otherwise known as “Babaloja” and “Iyaoloja”, in the tech hub.
The placard-carrying protesters displayed messages some of which read “Computer Village is a symbol of “ICT” in Africa. Not a symbol of “Pepper Sellers.”
An Information Communication Technology (ICT) Engineer, Mr Wasiu Agbaje, said the following:
“What does the Iyaoloja and Babaloja have to offer, what value are they going to add to the hub? And what technological innovations are they bringing?”
“The computer village is not like any other street market where pepper and other things are sold. It is an international technological hub and it should be treated as such.”
Also, a Software developer identified as Mr Joseph Efosa, argued that the introduction of an Iyaoloja/Babaloja may likely disturb the 25 years of peaceful existence in the Computer Village.
He went further to state that the Computer Village is not a regular market and as such, no Iyaoloja/Babaloja is needed.
As at the time of filing this report, it is unclear whether the authorities will rescind their decision to install the traditional market leaders in Computer Village.
