…hails Olufade’s grassroots dev drive

By Adeola Badru

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, yesterday, commissioned three major infrastructure projects executed by the Ibadan North Local Government at the Bodija International Market, describing them as evidence that local government councils in the state are effectively delivering meaningful development at the grassroots.

The projects commissioned are the 2 kilometre Bodija International Market Road, a newly constructed Fire Service Station and an ultra modern car park with lock up shops.

Speaking during the inauguration, Makinde commended the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, and his administration for successfully delivering the projects, which he said would improve commerce, public safety and transportation within the market.

The governor said the projects demonstrated that local government councils in Oyo State are functional, responsive and capable of executing impactful initiatives that directly improve the lives of residents.

According to him, the successful completion of the projects further affirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening local government administration and ensuring that councils effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities.

Makinde particularly praised Olufade for what he described as his visionary leadership and commitment to grassroots development, noting that the projects would enhance commercial activities, improve public safety, provide a more conducive business environment and further stimulate the state’s economy.

The governor also named the newly constructed ultra modern car park with shops after the renowned Ibadan warlord, Balogun Oderinlo, and urged traders and residents to continue supporting government initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development across Oyo State.

Earlier in address of welcome, the Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, expressed appreciation to Governor Makinde for creating an enabling environment that empowered the council to embark on and complete the projects.

Olufade said: “The newly commissioned infrastructure will significantly improve transportation around the market, strengthen emergency response through the fire service station, increase commercial opportunities with the modern car park and shops, and further position Bodija International Market as one of Nigeria’s foremost commercial centres.”

He described the projects as another testament to Governor Makinde’s unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of residents and driving sustainable development across Oyo State.

Also speaking, one of the contractors handling the projects, Mr Adekunle Akinpelu, commended the governor for addressing long standing infrastructure and safety challenges within the market.

Akinpelu said the construction of the modern fire service station would help prevent devastating fire outbreaks and significantly enhance emergency response in the market.

In their goodwill messages, the Chairman of Bodija Market, Oke Darosa, and the Otun Iyaloja of Bodija Market, Alhaja Oyebamiji, thanked Governor Makinde and the Ibadan North Local Government for executing the projects.

They described the projects as major interventions that would provide greater comfort, safety and convenience for traders and customers while promoting economic growth.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Babaloja of Bodija Market, Alhaji S.A. Jimoh, also expressed appreciation to Governor Makinde and Hon. Olufade for the projects, saying they would further enhance the ease of doing business and improve the overall outlook of the market.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; the member representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle; the member representing Ibadan North West/Ibadan South West Federal Constituency, Hon. Dikirullahi Olajide Odidiomo; the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Kazim Adeyinka Adeniyi Bibire; members of the Oyo State House of Assembly; top government officials; local government chairmen; traditional rulers; market leaders; religious leaders; and other stakeholders.