Badagry (Lagos State) – Residents of Badagry on Thursday turned out in large numbers as the new Smark Mini Mall opened for business in the coastal city.

The taff and security had hard time controlling the large crowd that turned up to purchase various items at the new mega supermarket.

There were gifts, including free food and drinks, for the first 200 customers that patronised the new mall.

Mr Fatai Shokunbe, Chief Executive of Smark Mini Mall, told NAN that the mega supermarket would boost commercial activities of Badagry.

“We are determined to meet the daily needs of the people of Badagry, so we open this mega supermarket to satisfy those needs.

“With the opening of this mall, we have also provided employment for several people and this would help in eliminating poverty.

“The supermarket has so many products at affordable prices for the common man,” said Shokunbe, who is also Chief executive of Fams Embassy Suites, a four-star hotel beside the mall.

He commended the Lagos State Government for embarking on various development projects in the area.

“The proposed seaport and the arts theatre are all good projects for Badagry with a prospect to grow business and tourism industry.

“The 12-lane Lagos – Badagry Expressway would also open up Badagry to the world,’’ Shokunbe said.

He, however, urged government to complete the project on time, adding that the slow pace could slow down the development of the area.

A resident, Miss Funmi David, applauded the opening of the mall, describing it as a welcome development.

“I’m glad with the opening of the mall and we need more of this,” she said.

Mr Samuel Sewedo, another resident, also said he was happy at the opening of the new shopping mall.

“I’m so happy that this mall has opened as this would satisfy my craving for various things that I could not get before now,” he said. (NAN)