Traders have taken over all the roads leading to Eagle Square, the venue of the All Progressives Congress (APC), National Convention holding on Saturday.
It was observed that the traders were making brisk businesses in various wares like clothing materials sachet and bottled water, food items, footwears and other consumables.
Traders of various APC branded shirts, caps, flags and other party apparel were also sighted making high sales.
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A food vendor, Halima Salisu told NAN: “We are here to show our support to the APC, as well as make some money from the sale of our food.
“The market has been moving on fine, and so far, so good.”
A dealer of some clothing materials, Ilyasu Ibrahim, expressed delight that the event had provided them with a ”booming market.”
Hayatu Dallatu, a patron of one of the mobile restaurants near the Union Bank, commended the traders for coming to the rescue of the delegates, party supporters and the retinue of security agents at the venue.
According to NAN, the presence of operatives of various security agencies at the venue like the police, SSS, police bomb disposal units, NSCDC, and military, among others.
There also various emergency services being provided at the venue like first aid and ambulance services.
Personnel of the Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC), were also seen manning the various roads and intersections around the venue.
NAN also reports that pickpockets and other hoodlums had infiltrated the Eagle square and its environs.
A truckload of some them, who were apprehended by the police and NSCDC operatives, were seen being taken out of the venue through the presidential gate.
A cross-section of the delegates and party supporters interviewed by NAN had expressed satisfaction with the security arrangements put in place at the venue.
“We are really optimistic that the APC National convention would be a huge success and at the end, the best will be victorious.”
Bottle of water sells for N300
A bottle of water, which was sold at between N100 and N200 in the morning, rose to N300 in the afternoon.
Some sellers interviewed blamed the increase in price on scarcity.
“I came here with a truckload of water in the morning, but it has all been sold, I tried to get another truck but the road is already blocked by security agents for security reasons, that is why the price is high,” Mrs Gladys Idahor, a seller said.
Mr John Dyegh, another seller corrected the claim, alleging that he had to tip some policemen before he could get another supply.
“Naturally, we have to build in the additional cost, so that is why the price is higher,” Dyegh said.
He said he had recorded high sales at the convention.
NAN also reports that some local musicians and praise singers were taking advantage of the convention to make money.
The musicians and praise singers in groups were seen moving from one state pavilion to another entertaining guests. (NAN)
