Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has stated that his administration will continue to do everything possible to transform markets across the state and ensure that traders are able to carry out their businesses in safe and secure spaces.
The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayol Lawal, stated this on Monday, during the commissioning of the Omituntun Ultramodern Market, Omi Adio, Ibadan.
He maintained that the market, with 406 lockup shops, 56 open stalls, administrative office, security post, clear walkway and toilets, among other facilities, is the fourth of its kind in the governor’s two terms of office, with the Akesan Ultramodern Market, Oyo; Akinyele Farmers’ Market, Ibadan and the Kajola Ultramodern Market, Ogbomoso South Local Government, having come earlier.
According to the governor, the idea of building ultramodern markets is important to the government, as it intends to replicate the initiative across the state so that Oyo State traders won’t continue to ply their trades by the roadside.
He said: “I am happy that everybody here knows the history of this market and we thank God that the dream is now a reality.
“Planning is very key and essential; what we have come to commission here today will be replicated in many places so that our traders won’t stay on the road selling their things. If you go abroad, this is the standard and that is the same thing we are replicating in our state.
“I believe it will be easy to regulate the activities of traders here. These shops would not be allocated to people based on double standards. It will be on a one-man, one-shop basis. Also, there will be market management here to ensure that there is no abuse.
“Those who have been displaced will have the opportunity of right of first refusal. They would be the first set of people to come and the needful will be done for them. We must let sanity prevail.
“There will also be provision for security, because we all know the insecurity situation across the country.”
Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Demola Ojo, said the project is a testament to the governor’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for businesses.
He said: “This project is a testament to this administration’s pledge and commitment to creating an enabling environment for business, commerce and community development.
“The construction of the ultramodern market at Sasa in Akinyele Local Government; Akesan ultramodern market in Oyo and Kajola ultramodern market at Arowomole, Ogbomoso are some related achievements to be proud of under this administration.
“To our traders and business owners, this market has been built with you in mind. It is equipped with 406 lockup shops, 56 open stalls, office complex, clear walkway, adequate water supply, clean toilet and sanitation facilities, proper waste management systems, fire safety installations, spacious parking areas and other security features.
“To everyone that will use this facility, I would like to say that to whom much is given, much is expected. It is your duty to ensure that the project is well-managed and maintained and that the aim for which it was constructed is not defeated.
“Without any iota of doubts, I believe the State Government under His Excellency is still on course as regard the four (4) pillars of the Roadmap to Sustainable Development, Omituntun 2.0; which are Economy, Education, Healthcare and Security and I can assure you that the dividends of democracy will be extended to all and sundry.”
Asiwaju of Ido Local Government and Bashorun Bamofin of Ibadanland, Chief Niyi Akintola, who welcomed dignitaries to the event, said the ultramodern market “will truly make life better for our people.”
He noted that the local government has experienced massive transformation under Governor Makinde’s leadership, which genuinely cares about the welfare of the people of Ido and the entire Oyo State.
Akintola listed some of the projects executed by the governor in Ido Local Government, including the Ilaju Garri Processing Factory in Ido; the 10.3 km Ido-Omi Adio Road, which was last constructed in 1992: the Eleyele–Ologuneru–Ido Road; the ongoing 48km Ido–Eruwa Road connecting Ibadan and Ibarapa zones; the Apete–Akufo Road; the Akufo to Alabata Road; the Owode Housing Estate road from Ward 7 to Akala Way; Ward 10 to Challenge and the boundary with Oluyole Local Government; the Ultra-Modern Motor Park at Owode Housing Estate, easing transportation for commuters and the rehabilitation of the Omi-Adio to Alakaso Village Road, which houses the Ultramodern Ladoke Akintola Railway Station.
Similarly, the Chairman, Ido Local Government, Hon. Sheriff Adeojo, said the construction of the ultramodern market by the local government was a fulfillment of Governor Makinde’s campaign promise and a delivery of the dividend of democracy to the people.
He declared that the Makinde administration has impacted positively on the people of the state through various programmes and policies.
He said: “It is, indeed, a feeling of joy for me to welcome our shining light, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Seyi Makinde, to Ido Local Government.
“I also welcome my father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and everyone else to this noble gathering to the commissioning of Omituntun Ultramodern Market, Omi Adio, executed by the present administration in the Ido Local Government.
“The commissioning of this project is to enable the masses to enjoy the dividends of democracy, as encapsulated in the campaign promises of Governor Makinde in ensuring safe and secure marketplaces for traders within the state.
“Now, on His Excellency’s directive, we will move from the roadside to the Omituntun Ultramodern Market, which has 406 lockup shops in Block 8A and 56 open stalls.
“This Omituntun Ultramodern Market is built on a parcel of land containing an area of approximately 9,000 square metres donated by the Olomi Traditional Council, Ido Local Government.
“My appeal to the traders is to make the best use of this great opportunity. There is no gainsaying the fact that today’s programme is a great testament to Governor Makinde’s high sense of responsibility to and great love for residents of the state.
“I make bold to say that the present administration in Oyo State has greatly impacted positively on the lives of the people in the state. The government is executing many laudable and landmark projects and programmes, including maintenance of peace and security, improvement of the economy, construction and renovation of primary health centres and general hospitals, urban renewal projects, repositioning of public services, resuscitation of water supply systems, among others.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, while thanking you for your noble presence here today, please permit me to remind you once again that the present government in the state is a people-friendly government, a government that wants progress for all and sundry, a government that is doing everything possible to make sure all live happily and benefit maximally from government and its activities.
“I want to urge you all to continue to give your maximum cooperation and support to the governor’s leadership.”
The event was attended by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Senator Ladoja and other traditional rulers; commissioners; Chairmen of Local Governments in Oyo State and other dignitaries.
