…Says Council Is Delivering Meaningful Development at the Grassroots
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has commended the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, and the entire Ibadan North Local Government administration for successfully delivering three landmark infrastructural projects aimed at improving commerce, safety, and transportation within the Bodija International Market.
Governor Makinde gave the commendation on Thursday while commissioning the 2-kilometre Bodija International Market Road, a newly constructed Fire Service Station, and an ultra-modern car park with lock-up shops, all executed by the Ibadan North Local Government.
The governor described the projects as a clear demonstration that local government councils in Oyo State are functional, responsive, and capable of delivering impactful projects that directly improve the lives of the people.
According to him, the successful completion of the projects further validates his administration’s commitment to strengthening local government administration and ensuring councils discharge their constitutional responsibilities effectively.
Governor Makinde particularly praised Hon. Olufade for his visionary leadership and commitment to grassroots development, noting that the projects would enhance commercial activities, improve public safety, create a more conducive business environment, and further stimulate the state’s economy.
He also named the newly constructed ultra-modern car park with shops after the renowned Ibadan warlord, Balogun Oderinlo, while encouraging traders and residents to continue supporting government initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development across the state.
Speaking earlier in his welcome address, Hon. Olufade expressed profound appreciation to Governor Makinde for creating an enabling environment that empowered the council to embark on and complete the transformational projects.
He stated that the newly commissioned infrastructure would 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.
The council chairman 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, lauded the governor for addressing long-standing infrastructure and safety challenges, particularly through the construction of the modern fire service station, which he said would help prevent devastating fire outbreaks and enhance emergency response within the market.
In their goodwill messages, the Chairman of Bodija Market, Oke darosa and the Otun Iyaloja of Bodija Market, Alhaja Oyebamiji, appreciated Governor Makinde and the Ibadan North Local Government for the impactful projects, describing them 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, thanked Governor Makinde and Hon. Olufade for the projects, noting that they would further enhance the ease of doing business and improve the overall outlook of the market.
The commissioning ceremony attracted several dignitaries, including 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. Dikirulahi Olajide Odidiomo; Deputy chief of staff to Governor Seyi Makinde, Hon. Kazim Adeyinka Adeniyi Bibire, Hon. members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, top government officials, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, market leaders, religious leaders, and other stakeholders.
