Market men and women in Atakumosa Market, in Ilesa East local government area of Osun State, were elated as the Governor Ademola Adeleke commissioned 64 stalls and solar street lights in the Market, eight years after it was burnt.
The project was facilitated by the Osun Agency for Community and Social Development and it commenced in 2020. The market was burnt in 2015.
Represented at the Commissioning by Prince Kola Adewusi, his Deputy on Wednesday, Adeleke stated that economic empowerment of the residents was an important priority in the development agenda of the administration.
Oyewusi said “Let me reiterate the fact that we are here to empower our people. It is our responsibility to do so, because leadership is about taking responsibilities. We understand that sometimes the responsibilities could be very enormous, but what is keeping as going is the readiness of God to guide us through the process, the evidences of what we see around the State, just within the spate of 100 days in office and priorities are our watch words. This market is a priority to State.
“Atakumosa Market is an historic market and the largest in Osun State, which has been contributing immensely to the economic growth of the State”, he added.
“Unfortunately traders in this market had suffered untold hardships due to repeated fire outbreaks, destroying several goods and properties: I learnt many traders were displaced as a result of fire out break leading to economic deprivation and in their bid to survive, had resulted in looking for any available spaces and places to exhibit their wares, even when such were very odd to the extent of obstructing vehicular movement”.
“This I learnt has led to protest and confrontations in the past. I hope the stalls being commissioned today will go a long way in addressing this issue and similar ones”.
However, he admonished the traders in the market to imbibe these virtues. Adding that they shouldn’t adjust the standard measure “kobiowu” to cheat potential customers . Avoid unnecessary exploitation of people.
“I charged them to good use of the stalls, always be security conscious, avoid any thing that can triggers outbreak such as careless disposal of cigarette stumps, adulterated fuel, illegal connections of electricity and the likes”, he charged.
He appreciated the World Bank for the enormous financial assistance to the State, Federal Government was also appreciated. He applauded Osun CSDA for the great laudable achievement.
The General Manager of Osun CSDA, Funmi Abokede appreciated the remarkable assistance of Osun State Government on the iconic project.
“These shops will rejuvenate the economic status of the people as well as create a conducive environment for business and overall boost the economic activities of the State.
“Atakunmosa market is a well patronized market and a veritable internally generated revenue spinners for the Government. This market has vast potential in revitalizing the economy of the State as well as the vast opportunities it holds for individual commercial activities”.
“This commissioning is only possible because of the funding provided by the Executive Governor of the State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, 98 micro projects are been funded across the State out of which 64 Locked up shops and 8 solar light are to be commissioned today.
“This is the provision of democracy dividend to the people, electoral promises are translated into needed social amenities and development through Osun State Community and Social Development Agency (Osun CSDA)”, Abokede reiterated.
She appreciated the Iyaloja, Babaloja, Project Management Committee and entire Market men and women of Atakumos Market for their contribution and participation before and during the implementation of these micro projects.
Abokede appealed to the beneficiies to make judicious use of the shops and to take care and ensure maintenance of the market so that the facilities can serve them for years to come.
The Iyaloja and Babaloja appreciated the State Government of the Innovation at the Marketplace. She said” Ever since a huge fire outbreak gutted the market in 2020, some lost their source of income, others moved out of the market, but with this new stalls, the market will be full once again.
