Oyo State Acting Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, has tasked local government chairmen to work hand in hand with one another and also cooperate with the state government to secure their domains.
Barrister Lawal gave the charge on Wednesday, August 28, at the official commissioning of the Kajola Ultra-Modern Market in Ogbomoso South Local Government Area.
At the commissioning, Barrister Lawal stated that the administration of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde would rejuvenate the market system in urban and rural communities in the state with modern facilities.
The acting governor noted that the move would be part of the administration’s determination to support and promote development and thereby make life more meaningful for residents of the state.
He maintained that with the commissioning of the market, the economy of Ogbomosoland had been further opened, as the project is added to other efforts aimed at expanding the economy of the town.
This includes the sole ownership of Ladoke Akintola University (LAUTECH) and the linking of Ogbomoso and Oke Ogun zones through the 76.67km Adebayo Alao-Akala highway.
The market has 120 lock-up shops, 84 open shops, an abattoir, administrative blocks and toilet facilities.
Saying that the Kajola Market is the third market to be constructed, completed and commissioned within the five years of the Governor Makinde administration, Lawal affirmed the administration’s commitment to taking residents of the state from poverty to prosperity.
He said: “Under Omituntun 2.0, this is the first commissioning of an ultra-modern market. But this is actually the third ultra-modern market this administration is commissioning.
“The first one was built in Akinyele Local Government. The second one was the Akesan Market in Oyo. Those ones were under Omituntun 1.0. The third market that is being commissioned here is the Kajola Market in Ijeruland under Omituntun 2.0.
“You know that our environment is replete with archaic markets in several towns. So, as an administration, we are trying to rejuvenate the market system in Oyo State.
“As we move on, we will, in our rural centers and urban communities, try and put modern markets in place, where you have all the facilities you can get in other advanced countries of the world.
“This Kajola Market is built to full complement; with an abattoir, toilet facilities, an administrative block and market stores.
“This is a significant achievement for Ogbomoso South LG and we have to commend the handlers and promoters like the Chairman of the Local Government for this market to see the light of the day.
“We also have to appreciate the governor for prioritising this market and ensuring its completion at this particular time as well as to let the people know that Oyo State government has heavily invested in this market.
“The contractor that handled the building project said it was completed in five months because of the funds we always provided for them to carry out the construction.”
The Acting Governor called on the stakeholders, traders and market leaders to be security-conscious and observant about their environment in order to avoid influx of miscreants into the state through the market.
He equally charged them to ensure the cleanliness and maintenance of standards in the new facility.
In his welcome address, the Commisioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, said the construction of the market was aimed at promotion of trades and commerce in order to boost the development of the state.
Ojo also charged the traders and market leaders to maintain the structure and cleanliness of the market so as to complement the effort of the government.
In his speech, the Chairman, Ogbomoso South Local Government, Hon. Timothy Oyedokun, thanked Governor Makinde for fulfilling his promises and delivering dividends of democracy through the market construction.
He assured that the shops would be allocated to the first occupants of the space whose shops were demolished to pave way for the construction of the project.
Also in his goodwill message, the Onpetu of Ijeru Kingdom, Oba Sunday Oyediran, Lagbami Osekun III, appreciated Governor Makinde for fulfilling his promise to build the ultramodern market.
He, therefore, implored all sons and daughters of Ogbomoso land to always use their resources and connection to facilitate developmental projects for the progress of the town.
The event had in attendance the Chief of Staff to the governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi; and Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaja Faosat Sanni.
Also in attendance were the co-chairman, Oyo Elders’ Council, Dr Saka Balogun; Oyo State ALGON chairman, Hon. Sikiru Sanda; and chairman, Pilgrims Welfare Board, Christian Wing, Bishop Ademola Moradeyo, among other dignitaries.
