Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has 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 in Ibadan.
The projects were commissioned on Friday during an event held at Araromi Market, Gate, Ibadan, where Governor Makinde reiterated his administration’s commitment to redefining governance and ensuring that government projects have direct positive impacts on the people.
One of the major decisions announced at the commissioning was the immediate relocation of roadside traders operating around the Agodi-Gate Market into the newly constructed shops.
Makinde directed that the traders whose names had already been documented should be allocated the shops free of charge, stressing that the provision of alternative facilities was necessary before restricting roadside trading.
The governor warned against anyone attempting to collect money from the beneficiaries, urging the traders to leave the roadside and move into the newly provided facilities.
According to him, the policy was designed to improve orderliness without worsening the economic difficulties faced by petty traders who depend on their daily businesses to support their families.
“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,” Makinde said.
He added: “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.”
The commissioning came less than 24 hours after Governor Makinde inaugurated another set of infrastructure projects at the Bodija International Market in Ibadan.
Those projects, constructed by the Ibadan North Local Government, included a road network, a fire service building and an ultramodern car park with shops.
Makinde commended the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North-East Local Government, Hon. Ibrahim Akintayo, for delivering what he described as laudable projects.
He noted that the collaboration between the state government and local governments in Oyo State had continued to produce developments with direct impact on residents.
The governor said the newly constructed market facilities and motor park had helped restore the once-busy commercial hub to its former glory while providing traders and commuters with a safer and more conducive environment for business.
He subsequently urged traders and motorists to make responsible use of the facilities.
Earlier in his welcome address, Hon. Akintayo expressed appreciation to Governor Makinde for his commitment to people-oriented policies, saying the governor’s approach to governance had encouraged local governments to embark on projects capable of improving the lives of residents.
Akintayo explained that the projects were expected to promote orderly transportation, stimulate commercial activities, create employment opportunities, improve sanitation, provide a better business environment and increase revenue generation for the local government.
He also called on transport unions, market associations, business owners and other users of the facilities to take ownership of the projects by maintaining cleanliness, preventing vandalism, complying with operational guidelines and ensuring orderliness within the facilities.
In his vote of thanks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, thanked Governor Makinde for his continued support for local councils.
Ojo also expressed appreciation to the various stakeholders whose contributions facilitated the successful completion of the projects and supported efforts to improve the ease of doing business in Oyo State.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; members of the State Executive Council; the Chairman of the Conference 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.
The projects are expected to improve commercial activities, transportation, sanitation and general orderliness within the Agodi-Gate axis while providing traders with designated spaces to conduct their businesses.
