…restates Commitment to Enabling Business Environment
In a bid to further enhance commercial activities and provide a central location for sourcing building materials in the state, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Friday commissioned a newly completed ultra-modern market for building materials, describing it as a milestone achievement in the state’s drive towards economic growth and infrastructure development.
The market, which is a Public- Private Partnership between Ekiti State Government, through its trading arm- Fountain Holdings Limited, and New Frontier Development Limited comprises of 191 lock-up shops, security post, Cafeteria, Clinic, car parks, warehouse, among others.
Speaking while inaugurating the market complex in Ado Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji said the project is in line with his administration’s commitment to creating enabling environment for business to thrive, adding that the market would not only ease access to building materials but also stimulate local trading, create job, and boost the internally generated revenue.
Governor Oyebanji, who noted that before the intervention, traders in building materials operated in scattered and unregulated spaces, making it difficult for customers to access what needed in one place, said the new market would also address the gap by bringing all categories of building materials dealers together under one roof, thereby promoting convenience, orderliness, and safety in original and commercial transactions.
The Governor said “The building materials sector played a critical role in the growth of our construction industry, by providing a centralized, well organized place for business. We are not only improving access to quality building materials, we are creating an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises.”
While commending the main partner- New Frintier Development Limited for delivering the project within record time, the Governor charged traders and shop owners to maintain the facilities, adhere to environmental standards, and work together to make the market a model for other commercial centers in the state.
“The state government has made several efforts to provide a conducive atmosphere for traders within Ado Ekiti metropolis by providing alternative but conducive market space that will not hinder the flow of traffic at the city center. Such help us manifested the free flow of traffic at the popular Atikankan market, we moved the traders to the new shasha market, the advantage of this new local market is that it will provide a work structure for builders thereby creating a synergy between the builders and the traders.
”To our youths, women and artisans, let this market be a reminder that there is opportunity in hard work, dignity in enterprise and hope in the promise of a better tomorrow. Our administration will continue to roll out initiatives, support you through skill acquisition, access to finance and infrastructural support” the Governor asserted.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Fountain Holdings Limited, Mr Adetunji Tolani who described the market as a testament to the power of strategic partnership, said project was in response to the growing demand for a well-organized commercial hub where building materials could be accessed in a single location.
While explaining that the market was designed with the end users in mind, incorporating essential intrastructure such as power supply, security, cafetarial and convenience facilities to ensure a functional and business-friendly environment, Mr Tolani said fountain holding remains committed to driving impactful projects that align with the administration’s development agenda.
Also speaking on behalf of Managing Director of New Frontier Development Limited, the Executive Director, Salma Muhamed who expressed pride in the successful completion and commissioning of the builders market, describing it as a model project that demonstrates what can be achieved when the public and private sector collaborates effectively, noted that the company was motivated by a shared vision to contribute meaningfully to the growth of Ekiti State through quality infrastructure development.
It is recalled that the complex had been abandoned by successive administrations before Governor Oyebanji directed that the project be revisited last year.
Last modified: July 5, 2025
