First phase of Gbugbu international market ready for trading activities

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq says the first phase of Gbugbu international market is ready for delivery.

Gbugbu, a town in Edu local government area, North Central Nigeria is a historic trading melting point bringing together people from across West Africa sub region.

According to the governor, the first phase of the project comprises 200 open stores and 22 lock-up shops completed with electrical fittings and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities to maintain a healthier trading environment.

The Governor said on Saturday that the delivery of the project is satisfactory, adding that the next two phases will include abattoir, police station, fire station, car park, administrative office, among others.

He said all the phases of the project will gulp N1.5bn according to government’s design, adding that the market will have multiplier effects on the local economy.

“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,” the Governor told reporters during the inspection visit.

“We are not operating a concentric government where development will be concentrated at the centre alone. Gbugbu is 2-hour drive from Ilorin, the State capital. It shows that every locality and local government is impacted from our investment as a government. We are not forgetting any community, and Gbugbu is part of Kwara and deserves proper investments.”

AbdulRazaq said with some other industries such as BUA Sugar factory coming on board, Gbugbu market will benefit a lot and Edu as a whole is poised to become a very rich local government in the State.

Gbugbu International Market Site Engineer, Yisa Gisang, said the market is divided into three phases with the first phase already completed, assuring the peple of Kwara state that the phase one will be delivered for use on Tuesday.

He explained that the construction project was executed to meet the international standard and according to specifications.

“We have executed the project properly and it is 98 percent completed. We are still working on few other things like installation of a fire extinguisher, water reticulation, and other minor works. We want to deliver the first phase on Tuesday,” he said.

A member of the Community and PDP supporter, Yahman Jubril, commended AbdulRazaq for embarking on such a big project that benefits the people of the Community, irrespective of their party affiliation.

Jubril said he was convinced that the Governor truly focuses on developing the State, and pledged to work for the second term bid of the Governor.