The Oyo State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (OY-RAAMP) has awarded contracts worth ₦3.5 billion for the first phase of physical improvement and remodelling of three markets across the state.
The three markets selected for the first phase included Aare-Alasa Market (Akanran Area, Ona-Ara Local Government Area); Oja-Agbe Market, (Iseyin Local Government Area) and Oja-Oba Market (Ibarapa Central Local Government Area).
The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, stated this during the official signing ceremony recently.
He reaffirmed the dedication of the state government to transforming rural markets into modern, functional hubs that will drive agricultural productivity and improve access to markets across Oyo State.
The commissioner said: “These markets will undergo comprehensive modernisation, including upgraded infrastructure, enhanced storage facilities, improved access roads, and other critical features aimed at streamlining agricultural logistics and supporting both farmers and traders.”
In her welcome address, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye, described the contract signing as a significant milestone in the state’s agricultural transformation efforts.
She further stressed that the initiative aligns with the vision of the Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, to ensure food security and economic empowerment in rural communities.
In her address, the OY-RAAMP Coordinator, Engineer (Mrs.) Adeola Ekundayo, explained that the ₦3.5 billion contract for the three markets will cover the following:
₦1,227,196,608.81 for the Aare Alasa Market upgrade; ₦1,219,954,792.90 for the Oja-Agbe Market upgrade and ₦1,042,800,042.63 for the Oja-Oba Market improvement.
She said the agro-logistics component of RAAMP was strategically designed to enhance rural market infrastructure, ensure better linkage to rural roads, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve the accessibility of farm produce.
The contractors awarded the contract for each project site included Quicbond Nigeria Ltd (Aare Alasa Market Ona-Ara LGA); Lee Fakino Nigeria Ltd (Oja-Agbe Market, Iseyin LGA) and AB-Bond Habitat Ltd (Oja-Oba Market, Ibarapa Central LGA).
Engineer Ekundayo urged the contractors to actively engage with the host communities throughout the project’s execution to ensure sustainability and local support.
