The Atisbo Local Government Chairman, Oyo State, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to unlocking the economic potential of the council through strategic investments in agriculture, livestock production, commerce, water supply and security.
The chairman stated this on Monday while commissioning five projects executed by his administration as part of activities marking the programme, “A Day of Impact, A Journey of Development,” held at Kara Market, Ago-Are.
The projects, which were commissioned by the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, during his working visit to Atisbo Local Government, comprise an ultra-modern Kraal Market, a shopping complex, a cattle ranch, a motorised borehole and a police post in Baasi community.
Speaking at the ceremony, the council chairman explained that the projects were strategically designed to stimulate economic activities, strengthen security, improve access to potable water and enhance the socio-economic wellbeing of residents.
He described the Kara Market as the second-largest cattle market in Oyo State, after the Akinyele Cattle Market in Ibadan, noting that his administration had created an enabling environment for cattle traders and other business operators to thrive.
According to him, the development of the market would not only boost commercial activities but also increase the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the local government while strengthening agricultural activities in the agrarian community.
He further explained that the establishment of the cattle ranch was part of his administration’s deliberate efforts to harness the economic potential of the area, particularly in livestock production and trading.
The chairman also highlighted the economic importance of the shopping complex, saying it would provide additional business opportunities for traders and residents while contributing significantly to the economic development of the council.
On the provision of essential amenities, he said the motorised borehole constructed in Baasi community was aimed at improving residents’ access to clean and potable water, thereby promoting public health and general wellbeing.
He added that the police post was established to strengthen security in the community and create a safer environment for residents, farmers, traders and other economic operators to carry out their daily activities without fear.
The chairman described the projects as tangible evidence of his administration’s commitment to grassroots development and the delivery of democratic dividends, stressing that sustainable development could only be achieved through collective efforts.
He therefore called for the continued collaboration of government institutions, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and other stakeholders in advancing development at the grassroots.
The council boss also commended the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for what he described as his inclusive approach to development, noting that the policies and support of the state government had provided local governments with the opportunity to execute projects that directly address the needs of their people.
In his remarks, the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, who attended the ceremony alongside his wife, described the Kara Market as the second-largest cattle market in the state and emphasised the importance of its proper maintenance and sustained development.
Lawal stressed the need to position the market as a major centre for inter-state and cross-border trade, noting that it was open to traders from different ethnic backgrounds and other countries.
He urged the local government administration and other stakeholders to prioritise the regular maintenance of the facilities, emphasising that effective management would preserve the market’s economic value, attract more traders and encourage investment in the area.
The ceremony also featured the distribution of relief materials and cash grants to residents as part of the administration’s welfare initiatives aimed at providing support to beneficiaries and improving their living conditions.
Among the dignitaries who attended the event were the lawmaker representing ATISBO/Saki East State Constituency, Hon. Saminu Riliwan Gbadamosi, popularly known as Wale Canada; the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Barrister Ayobami Ojo; the Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, Professor Solihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu; and the chairmen of Saki East, Oorelope and Irepo Local Government Areas, including Hon. Niyi Adebisi, among others.
Traditional rulers at the event included the Alageere of Ago-Are, Oba Uthman Babatunde Azeez; the Onitede of Tede, Oba Abdurauf Adebimpe; the Ajoriwin of Irawo, Oba Musliudeen Olalere; the Aare of Ago-Are, Oba Abodunrin Kofoworola Oyetunji Ilufemiloye; and the Aare of Ofiki, Oba Gbenga Adigun Adeoye.
The commissioning of the five projects, alongside the distribution of relief materials and cash grants, formed the major highlights of the programme, which showcased the local government’s development initiatives in infrastructure, economic empowerment, security and social welfare.
