The Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Chief (Mrs.) Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, has hosted a New Year celebration for market men and women across the country, bringing traders together in a colourful event that highlighted unity, gratitude, and renewed hope for the year ahead.

The celebration, which took place on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at her residence in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State, drew market leaders and traders from Lagos and other parts of Nigeria. The gathering reflected the strength of the trading community and the important role it plays in the nation’s economy.

The atmosphere was festive and lively, with music, dancing, food, drinks, and other forms of entertainment creating a joyful setting for traders who had come from far and near to mark the beginning of the new year.

A Gathering of Traders and Market Leaders

The event brought together representatives from major markets across Lagos State and other regions of the country. Market leaders, executives of traders’ associations, and grassroots traders were all in attendance, making the occasion a true national gathering of Nigeria’s trading community.

The colourful celebration served not only as a social event but also as an opportunity for market stakeholders to interact, share experiences, and strengthen bonds within the trading sector.

Many attendees described the event as a rare opportunity to come together in one place to celebrate their shared journey and the resilience of Nigerian traders despite economic challenges.

Message of Gratitude and Hope

Addressing the gathering, Chief Tinubu-Ojo expressed deep gratitude to God for His protection over her life and the lives of market men and women across Nigeria.

She thanked God for the successes and achievements recorded in the past year, noting that despite economic pressures, traders had continued to show resilience and determination.

She assured members that 2026 holds greater opportunities for the trading community and revealed that several developmental plans had been put in place to improve the welfare and prosperity of traders nationwide.

According to her, the focus for the new year is on growth, stability, and improved conditions for traders in markets across the country.

Call for Unity and Discipline

The Iyaloja-General also used the occasion to urge market leaders and traders to remain focused, committed, and diligent in their businesses.

She encouraged them to conduct their affairs with integrity and discipline so that they could end the year with positive testimonies.

She cautioned against violence, internal conflicts, gossip, and any actions capable of disrupting harmony within markets or undermining national peace and economic stability.

According to her, peaceful coexistence among traders is essential for the smooth running of markets and the overall development of the country’s economy.

A Celebration of Culture and Community

The celebration was marked by a rich display of culture and tradition. Traditional music performances, dance displays, and live entertainment kept guests on their feet throughout the event.

Traders and guests were treated to a wide variety of local and continental dishes, while refreshments flowed freely as participants mingled and shared stories from the past year.

Many traders took pictures with the Iyaloja-General and other market leaders, describing the event as both memorable and inspiring.

Strengthening the Trading Community

Market leaders who attended the event praised Chief Tinubu-Ojo for her leadership and commitment to the welfare of traders.

They described her as a unifying figure who continues to advocate for the interests of traders at all levels of government.

Some market executives noted that such gatherings help strengthen communication between leadership and grassroots traders and provide an opportunity to discuss challenges facing the sector.

Traders React to the Celebration

Several traders who attended the event expressed appreciation for the gesture, saying it made them feel valued and recognised.

Many described the celebration as a morale booster, especially at a time when many traders are facing rising costs and economic pressures.

For them, the event was not just a party but a reminder that their contributions to the economy are acknowledged and respected.

A Symbolic Start to the New Year

The New Year celebration has been widely seen as a symbolic way to usher traders into 2026 with optimism and renewed determination.

For many in attendance, it represented a fresh start and a reminder of the importance of unity within the trading community.

As Nigeria continues to navigate economic reforms and changing market realities, the role of traders remains central to the nation’s commercial life.

A Leadership Role Rooted in Tradition

The position of Iyaloja-General holds deep cultural and economic significance in Nigeria, particularly in the South-West.

Traditionally, the Iyaloja-General serves as the chief representative of market women and traders, advocating for their interests and mediating in disputes.

Chief Tinubu-Ojo’s leadership reflects a blend of tradition and modern administration, with a focus on improving market structures and trader welfare.

Looking Ahead

As the year unfolds, traders across Nigeria will be watching closely to see how the developmental plans announced by the Iyaloja-General translate into tangible improvements.

For now, the New Year celebration stands as a reminder of the resilience, unity, and strength of Nigeria’s trading community.

For many market men and women, it was not just a celebration — it was a statement of hope for a more prosperous year.