The Kwara State government in north-central Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering market development as part of efforts to drive economic growth and enhance the livelihoods of its citizens.
The Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, stated this during the anniversary celebration of the milestone event, which took place at the Ultra Modern Market, Adewole, Ilorin.
The event was marked with pomp and pageantry, as traders, artisans, and stakeholders gathered to commemorate the market’s achievements and growth over the years.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Director of Personnel, Finance and Supply, Mr Tunde Thompson Amos, congratulated the Kwara Association of Marketers for its resilience in coordinating all the affairs of the markets in the state.
“I am proud to celebrate the 16th anniversary of the Adewole Ultra Modern Market, Ilorin. This market has become a hub of economic activity, providing a livelihood for thousands of traders and artisans. We remain committed to supporting the growth and development of this market, and we will continue to provide the necessary infrastructure and empowerment programmes to ensure its continued success,” Hon. Damilola said.
She further highlighted various programmes embarked on by the state government, which include financial grants and equipment to enhance their businesses and livelihoods, the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) intervention funds, Trader Money-Owosowo, Kwapreneur, and Owoarogbo—financial support to female traders.
Damilola revealed that the state government will carry out revalidation and revaluation of every shop, warehouse, and open space in the market by the year 2025, as this will strengthen the strategic socio-economic position of the state.
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Dr Ibrahim Zulu Gambari, who was represented by the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, called for collaboration and peaceful coexistence among the traders and prayed for peace and harmony in the market and the state in general.
The National President of Ilorin Descendant Progressive Union (lDPU), Alhaji AbudulMumini Ayo, who was represented by the President of Ilorin West lDPU, Alhaji Amade, thanked the Executives of the Ultra Modern Market, Adewole, for their record of achievements throughout the year, praying for love, peaceful coexistence, and prosperity ahead.
Earlier, the lyaloja of Ultra Modern Market Adewole, Hajia Fumilayo Babakobi, appreciated the Kwara State Government, under the leadership of the governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his support, for providing infrastructural development, empowerment programmes, and security networks in the state.
Hajia Babakobi expressed her sincere gratitude to the commissioner for her tireless efforts at ensuring mutual working relationships amongst the traders as well as ensuring the maintenance of social amenities in the market.
Explaining the successes and challenges recorded in the year 2024, she commended the support of the ministry and her team for the achievements.
Awards were presented to deserving traders and stakeholders who have contributed significantly to the market’s development.
In another development, the Kwara State Government, through the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Technology, Ilorin, has given a letter of recognition to the new Iyaloja General of Kwara State.
The Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, presented the letter to the new Iyaloja General of the state, Hajia Muyibat Olumo.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Mary Kemi Adeoshun, congratulated the new Iyaloja for the recognition, having undergone the necessary procedures and due process, thanking the Kwara State Association of Marketers for its support during the process.
The commissioner advised her to be dedicated and transparent and to ensure accountability during her tenure in office as well as coordinate all the affairs of marketers appropriately.
Responding, the Iyaloja General, Hajia Muyibat Olumo, thanked Governor AbdulRazaq for the recognition while promising to do her best and work extensively to boost the economic activities of the state.
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