The President of the Edo Market Women Association, Mrs. Blacky Ogiamien, has rejected allegations that the association is responsible for the rising prices of goods in Edo State markets.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Benin City, Ogiamien attributed the inflation to increased transportation costs driven by the gradual hike in the pump price of premium motor spirit (fuel).
She described the accusations as “blackmail” by detractors seeking political gains, specifically naming Edna Omorogbe, Secretary of the Commodity Traders Union, and Lucky Orukpe, the alleged leader of the Traders Welfare Union. Ogiamien accused them of using the issue to score cheap political points.
Ogiamien further noted that the proliferation of commodity unions, which her association had opposed, has worsened the situation for buyers.
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She explained that the emergence of multiple unions has led to double taxation on commodity traders, increasing costs for consumers.
According to her, the spread of these unions represents political patronage designed to curry favor with influential figures.
The Secretary of the association, Mrs. Maureen Okojie, supported Ogiamien’s stance, emphasizing that inflation is a global issue not unique to Edo State.
Adding her voice, Mrs. Titilayo Omotayo, a trader at Oliha market in Benin City, criticized the accusations against the association.
She stated that blaming the market women for price increases was unfair, reiterating that external factors such as transportation costs were the primary drivers of the inflation.
