.……..Set to commission Alade market soon
……….As Tinubu commends him for economic sustainable growth,says other chairmen should emulate him
Emmanuel lkpeama
After Four years the Olaleye Market in Somolu local government was tragically burned down in May 2020 due to an electrical surge that occurred in the middle of the night, leaving many traders devastated,the Executive Chairman of Somolu Local Government Area of Lagos state,Hon AbdulHamed Salawu popularly known as Dullar has put smiles on the face of the people as he officially commissioned the newly constructed Olaleye Ultra Modern Market marking a significant milestone for the community as they filled with excitement and Joy on Friday 30 August,2024.
The event which saw the presence of political leaders, leader of the house and council members,market traders, artisans, religious and traditional rulers, including the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Chief Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo and other dignitaries who came to witness the new transformation of the Olaleye Ultra Modern Market.
Speaking at the commissioning,Hon Salawu urged community to preserve the newly remodelled structure, saying it is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also a crucial step toward maintaining people’s collective health and well-being in the state.
According to Hon ‘Dullar’ the market which is designed to meet modern standards, stands as a beacon of progress, a symbol of resilience and a testament to the collaborative efforts that will continue to shape the destiny of the communities. He therefore charged all not to forget the importance of upholding proper environmental sanitation.
He went further to remind the people how the gory fire disaster that ruined goods worth millions of Naira leaving the trader devastated, stating that he made a promise to the people and today it is a reality and considering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Renewed Hope agenda and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu THEMEs Plus agenda is worth emulating and he could not perform less.
“30th May,2020 would remain a day one cannot forget in a hurry, when we woke up to an inferno that raised down this our cherished market,it was indeed a sad day. We made a promise then that we will rebuild it and today we are here to fulfill our promise, it is promise made, promise kept.
“At the extension of this administration we promised that our government will make for all in Somolu local government,l remained committed to this course,as this has reinstated that.We extend and expand the rate of growth and development across our dear local government including market reconstruction and remodeling.”
“Let us not forget that local market has significant economic impact on surrounding community as the market will create jobs, promote local businesses, and enhance the overall standard of living in our community. The sales generated by this market will contribute to the GPP of economy in Somolu LGA”,he said.
The council boss emphasized the importance of providing a conducive environment for market traders, while highlighting recent series of economic initiatives, such as the N50 million distributed to petty traders, as part of his administration’s commitment to growth.
” Two weeks ago, because of our resolved to continue to support our small scale business,we gave out N50million to 1000 petty traders, which each of them got N50,000 so as to assist them in their business. This government will not rest on it oars until our people are satisfied,we are voted to work for you and we will continue to do that until the last day of our tenure in office.”
“Alade market is wearing a new look and what wiil soon be ready for commissioning,it will interest you to know that this market has 116 lock up shops,58 entrance,36 chicken shelves,10 meat sellers unit and large clean space for butchering of cows and killing of chickens,10 chambers toilets which has maintenance bathroom for women and men separately. Also has other facilities including a car park, creche where one can keep his or her child safe.”
He acknowledged the contractor and the Managing Director of Premium Height Ltd, Oloye Ashabi Morounranti Adams for partnering with the local government, while imploring the support of the community in his drive to deliver critical infrastructure development to the benefit of all.
The Managing Director of Premium Height Ltd, Oloye Ashabi Morounranti Adams, stated that Somolu has always been a commercial hub stressing that commerce will increase in Somolu because of the new Olaleye Shopping Market.
“People used to come before but they were discouraged because this market is always having flooding problems but considering the fact that we have to take the topography of the market made it higher than the existing developed structures. So, should there be rainfall, there’s no cause for alarm. I’m very certain that commerce will thrive in Somolu because of the new Olaleye Shopping Market”.she stated.
She went further to state that the market has different sections which include the Executive that has a toilet and other features, regular lock up shop, chicken shade and the slaughter slab, noting that the market is divided into two phase,(the foodstuffs and the household items) and is well conducive for market men and women.
The lyaloja General of Lagos state and President General Association of Market Men and Women of Nigeria,Folashade Tinubu Ojo praised the administration of Hon Salawu for keeping its promise to rebuild the market, which she described as a master piece, while urging other Executive Chairmen in the state to follow the footsteps of Hon Dullar’ so as to alleviate the suffering of the poor masses.
She went further to implore the people to make good of the market facilities,stressing the importance of safety measures to prevent future incidents, while appealing to Nigerians to be patient with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
” I want to commend the Executive Chairman for putting up this great edifice,he made a promise to the people and today it is coming to fruition. This has shown that he is a man of the people,God will continue to bless the works of his hands.”
“May l use this opportunity to appeal to all Nigerians to be patient with the government of the day as the government is doing everything possible to make sure that we come out from this suffering,to tell you the truth, Nigerians are suffering both the rich and the poor but with a little patience, Nigerians would smile again “she submitted.
Speaking to lnvestigator News,the lyaloja of Oyediran market and as well as Iyaloja General of Somolu local government Chief Mrs Florence Modupe Olufojude, commended the chairman for putting smiles again on the face of the market men and women of Olaleye market.
According to her,”“This market is a blessing for us. It will attract more customers, and the improved facilities will make the work of the traders and the market administrators easier and safer”.
j
“However, I want to use this medium in appreciating the Executive Chairman of Somolu local government for having promised and kept his promise,he has done marvelously well both in infrastructure and road network. I aso want to thank the lyaloja General for her support towards me.”she said.
Her counterpart in Olaleye Ultra modern market, Chief Mrs Oyebode Adejoke stated that she is overwhelmed with joy, saying that the market is wearing a new look.
“I am the most happy person today because when this market got burnt four years ago,l was under an attack both physically and spiritually as many said that it was the plan of the chairman and l to burn down their market but today the story has changed and it is wearing a better look compared to what we used to have before. ”
” This market is one of the best market in somolu as it has all the facilities one needed to make a conducive environment,l want to say a big thank you to the chairman for such initiative “she submitted.
Lending her voice,the President Somolu Apex Women leaders,Hon Bosede Ogunlaja opined that Hon.AbdulHamed Salawu’s administration has been widely praised as it focus on community-driven projects, and the successful completion of the market has further solidified his reputation as a leader dedicated to the progress of Somolu, noting that the Olaleye market will promote economic growth ti the people of Somolu.
In the same vein,Hon Ademola Olisa,one of the Super Leader in Somolu/Bariga Federal Constituency noted that the Ultra modern market is a legacy and Hon Salawu should be addressed as “Mr Projects” because he has changed and transformed the face of Somolu local government.
“Today, we celebrate not just the opening of a market, but the beginning of a new era of prosperity for our people. The Olaleye Market stands as a testament to what we can achieve when we work together for the common good,”
“The newly constructed market is designed to accommodate a wide range of businesses, from food vendors to artisans and retailers, ensuring that the needs of the diverse population of Somolu are met”he stated..
Highlight of the event was the cutting of the ribbon by the Iyaloja General of Nigeria; Mrs Folashade Tinubu Ojo who officially declared the open for various businesses to thrive for the benefit of Somolu local government.
Those in attendance at the event include Apostle Peter Oyewusi, Chairman Apex leader Somolu/Bariga,Grand Chief Imam Sheikh Boonyamin Dabiri,Alhaji Tajudeen Tella represented the Community Development Committee (CDC),Hon. Yomi Osunkoya, Hon. Ayodele Afolabi (SLG), Hon. Folarin Olubiyi (Chief of Staff), and other council executives and wife of the council chairman,Mrs Florence Salawu, among others.
It will be recalled that Olaleye Market,was tragically burned down in May 2020 due to an electrical surge that occurred in the middle of the night, leaving many traders devastated. Although no lives were lost in the fire, goods worth millions of naira were destroyed, creating significant economic hardship for the affected traders.
