Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde. Photo: Oyo State Govt

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday inaugurated 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, Agodi-Gate, Ibadan, the governor declared that his administration would continue to redefine governance at all levels in the state.

This was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, in Ibadan, the state capital.

Following the commissioning of the lock-up shops and open stalls, Makinde directed that roadside traders at the Agodi-Gate Market be relocated into the newly built shops at no cost to the beneficiaries.

PUNCH Online reports that 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 Area of the state.

Makinde commended the council chairman, Ibrahim Akintayo, for delivering the projects.

He said, “The collaboration between the state and local governments in the state has resulted in impactful developments.

“The newly constructed market and motor park have restored the once-busy commercial hub to its former glory, providing traders and commuters with a safer and more conducive environment for business.”

Makinde, therefore, urged traders and motorists to use the facilities responsibly.

He 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, Akintayo appreciated the governor for his commitment to people-oriented policies, noting that such policies inspired local governments to embark on projects that directly improve lives.

He said, “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.

“Let me urge 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, Ademola Ojo, expressed gratitude to the governor for his unwavering support for 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, Adebayo Lawal; the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; the Chief of Staff, Segun Ogunwuyi; commissioners; the Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in the state, Sikiru Sanda; the Babaloja General of the state, Y.K. Abass; market leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other dignitaries.