Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday, commissioned a motor park and 540 modern shops constructed by Ibadan North Local Government Area and ordered the immediate relocation of roadside traders at the Bodija Market, Ibadan to the shops at no cost to the beneficiaries.
He named the ultra-modern shops and motor park after the Babaloja of Bodija Market, Alhaji Sunmaila Aderemi Jimoh, saying the construction of the shops and park was part of his administration’s commitment to restoring order and improving the trading environment at the market.
Makinde further stated that traders currently operating on the other side of the Bodija-UI Road would be relocated to another set of ultramodern shops and motor park in the next six months.
“I am here because of you traders that would be using these facilities. Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government Area has told you that these shops were built with your money — through our commonwealth and the commonwealth of Ibadan North LG.
“There are 540 stalls and none of you would pay any dime for any of them.
“Also, I want to urge you to try as much as possible not to move to the road side again. Everybody should go into their shops, because there is enough space to accommodate everybody.
“I will go to the other side to inspect the land, because we have a big space that can accommodate triple of what has been built here.
“I will give the chairman an ultimatum of six months to execute the project so that others who are still on the road can move into the place,” Makinde said.
In his welcome address, Chairman, Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Seun Olufade, applauded Governor Makinde for what he described as his unwavering commitment to people-centered governance.
He said the Bodija Market project was a further proof of the governor’s dedication to improving the lives of residents, describing it as a testament to Makinde’s enduring love and responsibility toward the people of Oyo State.
Olufade said: “This modern facility we are commissioning today stands as yet another proof of your people-centered leadership.
“You saw the challenges our traders faced operating by the roadside; exposure to harsh weather, insecurity and environmental hazards and you took decisive action.
“Today, our traders have been relocated from the roadside into comfortable, well-structured shops, provided free of charge. This singular act reflects your heart for the masses and your determination to improve livelihoods.”
In his goodwill message, the Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaji Yekeen Abbas, thanked the governor for the construction of the massive project, urging traders to desist from roadside trading.
Giving his vote of thanks, the Babaloja of Bodija Market, Alhaji Jimoh, expressed gratitude to the governor for creating a conducive environment and ensuring ease of doing business in the state.
