Makinde Commissions 177 Shops, Motor Park, Road Network in Oyo

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has commissioned 177 new trading spaces, a motor park, road network and other public facilities constructed by the Ibadan North-East Local Government to improve commercial activities and ease transportation in the state.

The projects, inaugurated on Friday at the Agodi-Gate Market in Ibadan, comprise 69 lock-up shops, 108 open stalls, a modern restaurant, a motor park and newly constructed internal roads.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, who said the projects reflect the administration’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure and promoting grassroots development.

During the commissioning, Makinde directed that traders currently operating along the roadside at Agodi-Gate Market should immediately relocate into the newly completed shops without paying any allocation fee.

The governor warned that no individual or official should demand payment from the traders before they occupy the shops, urging beneficiaries to report anyone attempting to extort them.

According to Makinde, the government deliberately provided alternative business spaces before enforcing restrictions on roadside trading to ensure that traders do not lose their means of livelihood.

He noted that many roadside traders rely on their businesses to support their families and pay their children’s school fees, stressing that government policies should balance urban planning with citizens’ welfare.

“I am glad today that we have restored the glory of this park through the Ibadan North-East Local Government. For those trading along the roadside, your names have already been documented and the shops will be allocated to you free of charge,” the governor said.

He urged traders and transport operators to utilise the facilities responsibly and maintain cleanliness to preserve the investments.

Makinde also praised the Chairman of Ibadan North-East Local Government, Ibrahim Akintayo, for initiating projects that directly impact residents, saying the collaboration between the state government and local councils has continued to deliver meaningful development across Oyo State.

Earlier, Akintayo said the projects would improve transportation, stimulate commercial activities, create employment opportunities, enhance sanitation and increase internally generated revenue for the local government.

He appealed to market associations, transport unions and business owners to protect the facilities from vandalism and ensure proper maintenance.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, commended the governor for consistently supporting local government councils to execute people-oriented projects across the state.

The event was attended by Deputy Governor Adebayo Lawal, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, Chief of Staff Segun Ogunwuyi, commissioners, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, market leaders, religious leaders and other stakeholders.

The commissioning comes just a day after Makinde inaugurated another set of infrastructure projects, including roads, a fire service building and a modern car park at the Bodija International Market, executed by the Ibadan North Local Government.