The Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has allocated 1,050 shops as well as market stalls to traders in the ultra modern shopping markets constructed by the state government at Laderin, Sapon, Isale Igbein, Itoku and Omida areas of Abeokuta, the state capital.

Speaking after the exercise, which took place yesterday, Amosun promised to replicate the shopping malls in Ijebu Ode, Sagamu, Sango Ota, and Ifo, saying the construction of these malls would aid development and bring socio-economic benefits to citizens.

The governor therefore said that henceforth, traders will not be allowed to display their wares flagrantly by the roads.

He informed that the traders, whose shops were earlier demolished, to pave way for the construction of the markets, were the first to be allocated the shops, fitted with elevators, escalators, electricity, private and general toilets as well as other modern facilities for their convenience.

Charging the allottees to maintain the malls, Amosun assured traders, who were not included in the allocation, of his government's intention to start the construction of the second phase of the shopping complexes, which would cater for them.

He said government is committed to always create enabling environment for businesses to thrive, adding that those selling related items, have been allocated shops beside each other, for easier access to their products by customers.

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arc. Lekan Adegbite, disclosed that the toilet facilities built for the markets would be handed over to private concerns to manage on behalf of the government for a token, as a form of empowerment.

In her address, General Manager and Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Mrs. Jumoke Akinwunmi, said the ultra modern markets are needed because of the development that have dotted the entire state and for the benefit of the traders.

Speaking on behalf of the allottees, the Iyalojas and Babalojas of Itoku, Sapon, Omida and Isale-Igbehin markets unanimously expressed their appreciation to the governor for fulfilling his promise to traders.

Update news