Photos & videos footage as Oyetola Turns the sod of Phase 1 of Ilesa, Atakumosa ultra Modern Market

Tuesday, 4th August, 2020, HE Gboyega Oyetola, the Executive governor of Osun State was in Ilesa to launch the first phase of the re-construction of Atakumosa market.

VIDEO; Click on image to watch Video (Credit Yakub Atanda)

The construction project which comprises of lock up shops and open markets with boreholes, toilets, waste bins and parking spaces to meet international standard is supported by the Osun Community and Social Development Agency.

In addition to this assisted initiative and collaboration with CSDP, Osun government shall also build another 250 stalls which shall be delivered before the end of this year.

One would recall that the Atakumosa market, Ilesa, had trice experienced fire disasters, the worst of which happened about five years ago.

Modernizing the market and providing relief for the victims of the fire incidents were major campaign issues in the build up to the 2018 governorship election in the State and the governor promised to rebuild it if elected.

VIDEO; Click on image to watch video (Credit Dayo Fasola)

In fulfillment of the promise, the Governor, on Tuesday, was in Ilesa to launch the project.

Oyetola said the reconstruction of the N200million worth market was in fulfilment of his administration's electoral promises to provide adequate security and guarantee the welfare and general well-being of the citizenry.

The governor also presented the symbolic cheques to the ten beneficiary groups.

The Governor further said: "I am therefore happy that, today, we are able to fulfill our electoral promise, as well as our role as government to provide security and welfare for the people by kick-starting the first phase of the reconstruction of the market which is worth about N200million. This will bring relief to our poor and vulnerable market men and women in Atakumosa market when completed.

"I must place on record the remarkable role being played by Prof. Foluso Okunmadewa, the Task Team Leader CSDP, Nigeria, at the World Bank country office. We appreciate World Bank's love and deep concern for the welfare and well-being of our people, especially the vulnerable and the needy.

"I congratulate all members of the ten vulnerable groups who will be receiving their cheques at this event to mark the take-off of the reconstruction of Atakumosa market, and through which our idea of a modern market will come to reality.

VIDEO: click on image to watch (Credit Oladimeji Lasore)

The Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, who was highly delighted, hailed the governor for breaking the jinx, saying the move would rekindle the hopes of the people particularly the poor of the poorest.

He urged the people of the State to continue to support the government in its efforts to rejuvenate the economy and make life prosperous for the citizens, just as he called on them to ensure they reciprocate the governor's gesture when the time comes.

"I want to assure you that Oyetola's administration will do its best to ensure that the post COVID-19 economic recovery strategies are well implemented.

"As we all know, the Governor has been performing wonders since inception as reflected in the prompt payment of salaries and the recent release of 500million naira to pensioners among other things.

"I can assure you thar, we in the House, will continue to work with you harmoniously in taking Osun to the next level", Owoeye added.

In her welcome address, the General Manager, Osun Community and Social Development Project, Mrs Funmi Abokede, commended the administration of Governor Oyetola for taking the welfare of the people as priority.

Abokede who described the project as a necessity particularly at a time the state is working hard to recover her economy, noted that the reconstruction of the market to world class standard would go a long way to addressing the need of vulnerable citizens and the downtrodden.

She attested to the fact that the reconstruction of the market was in line with the Developmental Agenda of the present administration.

VIDEO: Click on image to watch (Credit Oladimeji Lasore)

Earlier at the Palace of Owa Obokun, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, the traditional ruler commended Oyetola for the gesture and prayed God to continue to give him the wisdom and knowledge to take the State to greater heights.

In their separate goodwill messages, Chairman House Committee on Rural Development and Community Affairs, Hon. Wale Adedoyin; Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Industries and Empowerment, Dr. Bode Olaonipekun; Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr. Remi Omowaye; Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development and Community Affairs, Engr. Mumini Rafiu Adekunle and Chairman Atakumosa market, Mr. Babatunde Abiona, lauded the kind gesture of the Governor, with Omowaiye specifically saying the feat would affect the fortunes of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, positively in subsequent elections in Ijesa land.

Those in attendance are: Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye; member, House of Representatives representing Ijesa-South, Hon. Babatunde Ayeni; Chairman House Committee on Rural Development and Community Affairs, Hon. Wale Adedoyin; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Charles Akinola; members House of Assembly, local government Chairmen, top political functionaries among others.

Photos: Credit Oladimeji Lasore (+2347035105413)