Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday, February 17, officially commissioned the motor park and 540 modern shops constructed by the Ibadan North Local Government, with an order that roadside traders at the Bodija Market, Ibadan, should be immediately relocated to the shops at no cost to the beneficiaries.
Governor Makinde, who named the ultra-modern shops and park after the Babaloja of Bodija Market, Alhaji Sunmaila Aderemi Jimoh, said the construction of the shops and park was part of his administration’s commitment to restoring order and improving the trading environment at the market.
He further stated that traders currently operating on the other side of the Bodija-UI Road would be relocated to another set of ultramodern shops and motor park in the next six months.
He said: “I am here because of you traders that would be using these facilities. The Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government has told you that these shops were built with your money — through our commonwealth and the commonwealth of Ibadan North LG.
“There are 540 stalls and none of you would pay any dime for any of them.
“Also, I want to urge you to try as much as possible not to move to the road side again. Everybody should go into their shops, because there is enough space to accommodate everybody.
“I will go to the other side to inspect the land, because we have a big space that can accommodate triple of what has been built here. I will give the Chairman an ultimatum of six months to execute the project so that others who are still on the road can move into the place.”
In his welcome address, the Chairman, Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Seun Olufade, applauded Governor Makinde for what he described as his unwavering commitment to people-centred governance.
He noted that the project stands as a further proof of the governor’s dedication to improving the lives of residents, describing it as a testament to the governor’s enduring love and responsibility toward the people of Oyo State.
Olufade said: “This modern facility we are commissioning today stands as yet another proof of your people-centred leadership. You saw the challenges our traders faced operating by the roadside: exposure to harsh weather; insecurity and environmental hazards, and you took decisive action.
“Today, our traders have been relocated from the roadside into comfortable, well-structured shops, provided free of charge. This singular act reflects your heart for the masses and your determination to improve livelihoods.”
In his goodwill message, the Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaji Yekeen Abbas, thanked the governor for the construction of the massive project, urging traders to desist from roadside trading.
Giving his vote of thanks, the Babaloja of Bodija Market, Alhaji Jimoh expressed gratitude to the governor for creating a conducive environment and ensuring ease of doing business in the state.
The event had in attendance the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Mohammed Fadeyi; former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; member representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon Fola Oyekunle; Secretary to the State Government, Prof Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, and the Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon Kazeem Adeniyi.
Others were Commissioners; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; Chairperson, Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Agency, Hon. Justice Aderonke Aderemi (rtd); Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, Labour Union leaders, traditional rulers and religious leaders, among others.
