Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed that local government councils across the state are actively fulfilling their responsibilities, stating that their impact is evident through completed projects benefiting residents.
The governor made the remarks on Thursday during the inauguration of several projects executed by the Ibadan North Local Government at Bodija International Market in Ibadan.
The projects include a 2km road, a newly built fire service station, an ultra-modern trailer park, and newly constructed shops.
According to a statement issued in Ibadan by Makinde’s Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, the facilities were delivered by the Ibadan North Local Government as part of efforts to improve infrastructure and boost commercial activities within the market.
During the event, Makinde named the newly inaugurated trailer park after the renowned Ibadan warlord, Balogun Oderinlo.
He described the completed projects as “clear evidence that local government councils in the state are effectively discharging their constitutional responsibilities without interference.
The initiatives would boost commercial activities, improve the ease of doing business, and further strengthen the state’s economy.”
The governor also praised the Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Seun Olufade, for successfully delivering the projects.
He encouraged traders operating in the market to continue backing his administration’s development agenda, while assuring them that infrastructure development would continue under the next administration.
In his welcome address, Olufade thanked the governor for creating an environment that enabled the council to implement the projects successfully.
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He said, “The developments would improve transportation, enhance public safety, increase commercial activities, and further position Bodija International Market as a leading commercial hub in Nigeria.”
The council chairman added that the completed projects reflected Governor Makinde’s unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of Oyo residents and enhancing economic growth across the state.
Also speaking at the ceremony, contractor Adekunle Akinpelu applauded the state government for tackling long-standing infrastructure deficiencies, particularly within major markets.
He noted that the newly constructed fire station would significantly improve emergency response and help reduce the devastating effects of fire outbreaks.
He said “past fire incidents had led to significant losses of property and, in some cases, lives. The new facility would help prevent such tragedies and improve emergency response for traders and shoppers.”
Representatives of Bodija International Market, including the market chairman and the Otun Iyaloja of the market, Oyebamiji, also expressed appreciation to the governor for supporting the execution of the projects.
They said the new infrastructure would enhance safety, convenience, and business activities for both traders and customers while contributing to the state’s economic development.
In his vote of thanks, the Babaloja of Bodija Market, Ismael Jimoh, thanked the governor for delivering the projects and for creating a business-friendly environment in Oyo State.
Among those present at the inauguration were Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal; members of the National Assembly Fola Oyekunle and Olajide Odidiomo; members of the Oyo State House of Assembly Comforter Olajide and Babajide Gabriel; Secretary to the State Government, Prof Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Adenike Fasina; co-chairman of the Elders’ Council, Elder Wole Oyelese; the Oyo State ALGON Chairman, Sikiru Sanda; Babaloja of Oyo State, Y.K. Abass; traditional rulers, market leaders, religious leaders, and other dignitaries.