Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Friday commissioned 69 lock-up shops, 108 open stalls, a motor park, a new road network, and a modern restaurant constructed by the Ibadan North-East Local Government at the Agodi-Gate Market, Ibadan.
Speaking at the commissioning event held at Araromi Market, Gate, Ibadan, the governor declared that his administration would continue to redefine governance at all levels in the state.
Following the commissioning of the lock-up shops and open stalls, Governor Makinde directed that roadside traders at the Agodi-Gate Market be relocated into the newly built shops at no cost to the beneficiaries.
The commissioning came barely 24 hours after the governor inaugurated a road network, a fire service building, and an ultramodern car park with shops at the Bodija International Market, Ibadan, constructed by the Ibadan North Local Government.
Governor Makinde commended the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North-East Local Government, Hon. Ibrahim Akintayo, for delivering the laudable projects. He noted that the collaboration between the state and local governments in Oyo State has resulted in impactful developments. Makinde added that the newly constructed market and motor park had restored the once-busy commercial hub to its former glory, providing traders and commuters with a safer and more conducive environment for business.
He urged traders and motorists to use the facilities responsibly.
Governor Makinde said, “I am glad today that we have restored the glory of this park through the Ibadan North-East Local Government. And as for the traders who sell their wares on the roadside, your names have been properly documented and the shops will be given to you free of charge. Report anyone who tries to collect money from you. Move away from the road and enter the park. We have decided that we will always make provisions before prohibiting roadside trading. What people fail to realise is that these traders use part of their little profit to send their children to school. So, we have done this project to ease their burden.”
In his welcome address, Hon. Ibrahim Akintayo appreciated Governor Makinde for his commitment to people-oriented policies, noting that such policies inspired local governments to embark on projects that directly improve lives. He explained that the projects would promote orderly transportation, stimulate commerce, create jobs, improve sanitation, provide a conducive business environment, and enhance revenue generation for the local government.
He urged transport unions, market associations, business owners, and other users of the facilities to take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness, preventing vandalism, complying with operational guidelines, and ensuring orderliness.
Giving the vote of thanks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, expressed gratitude to the governor for his unwavering support to local councils. He also appreciated stakeholders for their contributions to the successful completion of the projects and for ensuring ease of doing business in the state.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, PhD; Commissioners; Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon. Sikiru Sanda; Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Y.K. Abass; market leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other dignitaries.
