Ekiti Government To Build More Neighbourhood Markets

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has stated that the State Government would continue to build more neighbourhood markets in Ado Ekiti in order to meet the yearnings of traders and rid the State capital of indiscriminate trading on the roads.

The Governor who made this known shortly after an inspection tour of the newly completed  Awedele Neighbourhood Market, in Awedele area of the State capital, on Wednesday, said the gesture will be replicated in the headquarters of all the local government areas in the state.

Dr. Fayemi said though government has not abandoned its plan to build an ultra-modern market in Ado Ekiti, the on-going construction of neighbourhood markets is aimed at providing alternative for traders who currently sell their wares on one lane of the just completed dualised Atikankan-First Baptist Church road recently renamed Funmi Olayinka Drive.

He added that government had discussed with the traders and given them ultimatum to vacate the road and move to the new market at Awedele as well as those at Moferere; adding that government also has plan to build a store house for those who would occupy the open market stalls.

While assuring that communities in the state capital which are thickly populated such as Adere, Olorunda and Omisanjana among others will have their own neighbourhood markets before the year ends, the Governor explained that the communities also have a right to have their own markets in order to reduce the stress residents go through while the gesture will also help decongest the city.

Fayemi however advised people who have erected illegal stalls on Fajuyi-Textile road to relocate to Awedele market before government begins its beautification project that may necessitate removal of illegal stalls along the route.

Meanwhile the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has expressed its readiness to partner with Ekiti State Government on exploiting the poultry sector; making it a viable means of generating income to the coffers of the State Government.

The National President of the Association, Dr. Ayoola Oduntan who gave this indication during a courtesy visit to the State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday explained that the sector could also generate more employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed youth population.

Responding, Governor Fayemi restated the passion of his administration to exploit the agriculture sector, especially by divesting into aqua-culture and poultry; saying that the Youth Commercial Agric Development(YCAD) programme focuses poultry expansion even as 15 YCAD participants in poultry raised no fewer than 15,000 broilers that were sold during the last Christmas season.

Fayemi said the State Government is in talks with a leading fast food company for patronage

Last modified: May 2, 2013