New Akobo Market to Boost Trade, Create Economic Opportunities —– Lagelu LG Chairman
By Adewale Owoade
The Chairman of Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State, Hon. Mudasiru Kamorudeen, has said the transformation of a government property in Akobo into an ultra-modern market is aimed at bringing commercial activities closer to residents and improving their economic well-being.
Kamorudeen stated this on Tuesday during the commissioning of the 300-shop market in Akobo, Ibadan.
The facility is equipped with modern amenities, including public toilets, warehouses, ample parking space and a mini fire station.
The chairman said the project was conceived to address the shortage of shop spaces in the area while protecting the interests of existing tenants.
According to him, traders who operated at the former facility were accommodated and offered the opportunity to retain their shops at affordable rates, with the majority successfully reclaiming their spaces.
He noted that the market’s strategic location would enable it to serve residents of Akobo and neighbouring communities, reducing the need for them to travel to major commercial centres such as Bodija, Gbagi and Aleshinloye to purchase goods and access services.
Kamorudeen added that the facility would stimulate economic growth, attract traders and investors from across Ibadan and expand commercial activities within the local government area.
He explained that the redevelopment was part of the council’s efforts to maximise the value of public assets for the benefit of residents while creating a modern commercial hub capable of meeting the needs of Akobo’s growing population.
The chairman urged traders and other users of the facility to maintain the market properly to preserve its quality and ensure its sustainability.
”We ensured that the sitting tenants were accommodated and offered shops at affordable rates, with the majority getting their shops back.
”What people travel to Bodija, Gbagi and Aleshinloye to buy can now be found here in Akobo. This market will boost economic activities and serve the needs of residents in this area.
”I urge all traders and users of this facility to maintain it properly so that it can serve the community for many years,” he said.
Kamorudeen noted that the supporting infrastructure, including warehouses, public toilets, parking facilities and a mini fire station, was designed to provide a safe, convenient and modern trading environment for business owners and customers.
