Biodun Esan, Ilorin
The first phase of the N1.5 billion Gbugbu international market in Edu local government of Kwara made of 20 open stores and 22 lock-up shops is ready for delivery
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said on Saturday when he paid an inspection visit to the market.
The Governor described the delivery of the project as satisfactory, adding that the next two phases will include an abattoir, police station, fire station, car park, and administrative office, among others.
He said all the project phases will gulp N1.5bn according to the government’s design, adding that the market will have multiplier effects on the local economy.
Gbugbu, a town in Edu local government, is a historic trading melting pot bringing together peoples from across the West Africa sub-region.
“Gbugbu is known for trade from its inception. It is a resilient community. People come from Lafiagi, Patigi, and other places like Niger State and from across Nigeria and beyond to trade here.
“So, there was the need to develop it. It is a good and big project that will gulp about N1.5billion for the three phases.
“I am impressed with the work done so far by the contractor. We are making sure that Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programme is on the sideline as we build the facility.
“You can also see the new school we just built. So no community will be left unattended by our administration. It shows that this is a responsible government.
“We are not operating a concentric government where development will be concentrated at the centre alone. Gbugbu is a 2-hour drive from Ilorin, the State Capital.
“It shows that every locality and local government is impacted by our investment as a government. We are not forgetting any community, and Gbugbu is part of Kwara and deserves proper investments,” the Governor said.
AbdulRazaq said with some other industries such as the BUA Sugar factory coming on board, the Gbugbu market will benefit a lot from it and Edu as a whole is poised to become a very rich local government in the State.
“This market will take advantage of the trickle-down effects of these major industries. Kwara will be the epicenter of sugar production in Nigeria and Gbugbu will benefit immensely,” he added.
Gbugbu International Market Site Engineer, Yisa Gisang, said the construction of the market is three phases with the first phase already completed, assuring the people of Kwara that phase one will be delivered for use on Tuesday.
Yisa said phase one has at least 22 lock-up shops, 10 blocks of 200 open shops, public toilets at different parts of the market, and security posts, among other facilities that have been put in place.
He explained that the construction projects were executed to meet international standards and according to specifications.
“We have executed the project properly and it is 98 per cent completed. We are still working on a few other things like the installation of fire extinguishers, water reticulation, and other minor works. We want to deliver the first phase on Tuesday,” he said.
Yahman Jubril, a member of the Community, commended AbdulRazaq for embarking on such a big project that benefits the people of the community, irrespective of their party affiliation.
Jubril, known locally as ‘No Fighting’, said he was convinced that the Governor truly focuses on developing the State, and pledged to work for his second term bid.
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