Some petty traders around polling units in Ede and environs said they recorded impressive sales due to the massive turnout of voters during Saturday’s governorship election in the area.

The traders, who spoke in separate interviews with journalists on Saturday, said they wished such an exercise happened daily, as the opportunity could make a huge impact on their socio-economic lives.

A bean cake and bread seller, Toyin Aina, said she had realised more money than she received in a week since she came out from about 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“This is an awesome experience and I must thank God that this election came on a date my children had vacated for the long vacation.

“It hasn’t been easy serving the number of customers who crowded my shop since morning, but to the glory of God the sales has been rewarding,” she said.

Ms Aina said essential workers and voters had been coming to buy food to keep themselves refreshed while attending to their responsibilities at the polling units.

Similarly, another trader, Kudirat Adeleke, said she had been moving from one polling unit to another to sell carbonated drinks and bottled water.

Ms Adeleke said she had reached her expected sales target and was planning to take a rest after making good sales.

She attributed her gains to the large turnout of people at various polling units, which provided a ready market for her products.

Another trader, Abdullateef Adebayo, a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator, said he had been providing cash withdrawal services to voters and other residents.

“I have made good business giving customers money either through cash or transfer since I came out.

“To be sincere the turnout has been encouraging because not many POS operators dared to come out today and that provided nice opportunity for me,” he said.

Also, Bukola Olaoye, a food vendor, said she was happy with the turnout of voters and expressed hope that there would be no violence when the election results were announced.

She said the patronage was wonderful and prayed for the peaceful conclusion of the exercise.

Ms Olaoye charged political actors contesting the election to accept the outcome and ensure that the process remained peaceful, free and credible.

Some voters also said the presence of traders around the polling units was nice, as it afforded them the opportunity to buy something to refresh themselves before voting.

The election, conducted across the 30 local government areas of Osun, had so far witnessed a peaceful atmosphere, with varying reports on voter turnout across the communities.

Voting commenced early in some polling units, while some areas recorded little delay. As at the time of filing this report, the exercise was still ongoing in some areas.

(NAN)