By Esther Onyegbula

Founder of the SMA Movement and former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Lagos State, Dr Samuel Mawuyan Ajose, has handed over an ultra-modern office complex at Agbalata Market to the Chairman of Badagry Local Government Area, Mr Babatunde Hunpe, in a move aimed at improving the welfare and operational efficiency of traders in the historic market.

Speaking during the handover ceremony on Saturday, Ajose said the project was initiated following appeals from market men and women who sought shelter from harsh weather conditions while conducting their businesses.

According to him, his initial intention was to provide roofing for traders, but a closer assessment of the market revealed a more pressing need for a befitting office facility for market officials and traders.

“The market men and women begged me to erect a roof for them to save them from rain and scorching sun in the market.

“When I went round the market, I discovered that what they needed was a good building to office market officials and other marketers in the market.

“Being an ancient market in which the proceeds of the market had been used to sponsor many of us to higher institutions then, I decided to build a new modern building to enable the marketers and officers to have a place to put their heads during rainfall,” Ajose said.

The APC chieftain described Agbalata Market as one of the most important commercial centres in Lagos State, noting that it has played a significant role in the economic and educational advancement of many indigenes of Badagry.

He said his intervention was part of efforts to preserve the market’s legacy and improve its status.

Ajose further stated that his selfless contributions and developmental initiatives had helped raise the profile of the market beyond the local level.

According to him, Agbalata Market remains the second oldest market in Lagos State and continues to contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of Badagry.

Responding after receiving the facility, the Chairman of Badagry Local Government Area, Mr Babatunde Hunpe, commended Ajose for what he described as a remarkable demonstration of selfless service and commitment to community development.

Hunpe said Ajose had consistently shown that leadership goes beyond political ambition and personal achievements.

“Ajose has consistently demonstrated that true leadership extends beyond political ambition and personal success.

“His numerous interventions and humanitarian efforts have touched lives, empowered communities, and contributed meaningfully to the socio-economic development of our people.

“This newly constructed Agbalata Market Office stands as another testament to his passion for service and his love for Badagry,” he said.

The council chairman added that Ajose’s contributions had strengthened Badagry’s standing within Lagos State.

“Without any doubt, Ajose has written the name of Badagry in gold.

“Through his selfless contributions and developmental initiatives, he has elevated the profile of our council and given Badagry greater value and significance on the negotiating table of Lagos State politics.

“His actions have reinforced the belief that Badagry remains a strategic and important constituency whose development must never be overlooked,” Hunpe stated.

He expressed confidence that the new facility would enhance administrative coordination and improve the management of activities within the market.

According to him, the building would contribute significantly to the smooth operation of one of the most important markets in the local government area.

“I wish to assure Dr Ajose, the SMA Foundation, and all stakeholders present that this facility will be put to good use.

“As an administration, we are committed to ensuring that the offices are allocated to relevant stakeholders whose activities will promote peace, harmony, effective coordination, and the smooth running of the market.

“We shall ensure that the purpose for which this facility was built is fully realized for the benefit of traders and the entire community,” he said.

Also speaking, Chief Todowade Abel, the Baba-Oja of Ajara-Agamathen, expressed appreciation to Ajose for transforming what was previously a modest office space into a modern facility that would serve traders and market leaders more effectively.

The event attracted market leaders, community stakeholders, political figures and residents of Badagry.

The high point of the ceremony was the naming of the newly completed market office by Hunpe in honour of Ajose’s late father as the Prophet Abraham Ajose Building.