Governor of the state of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola says the height of urbanisation in any society is the development of modern markets which has the ability to develop the economy of such a society.
Governor Aregbesola made the assertion at the official commissioning of the first and second phases of the Ayegbaju international modern market, in Osogbo, the state capital.
Aregbesola who opined that the market will be the first centre of commerce in the state, described its commissioning as a celebration of wealth, commercialisation and the market women whom he described as the major stakeholders.
> He added that the Ayegbaju International market will be followed by other equally big markets in all the nine major cities that have been listed for the urban renewal programme of the present administration.
> He explained that his administration has continued to embark on people oriented projects aimed at improving the economic status of the state, and impact,positively on the lives of its people.
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Expressing the optimism that the market will definitely enhance the economy of the state, the number one citizen in the state assured the people of the state that his administration will continue to strive for the growth of the state saying it is the main reason he is in government.
In an address, the state Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Mr Bashir Ajibola explained that the market has three phases and that only two phases have been completed, saying that the remaining phase will be ready for commissioning soon.
Hon Ajibola disclosed that the government has also approved the construction two ultra modern markets in Ilesa and Ife(Atakumosa and Oranmiyan modern markets) respectively.
Also speaking, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun expressed appreciation to the Governor for the wonderful feat.
He held that the people of Osogbo will forever be grateful to the administration of Aregbesola for turning Osogbo the state capital into what he described as a mega-city through various infrastructural developments.
In her own remark, the Iyaloja General ,Alhaja Awawu Asindemade appreciated the governor for his genuine interest in the affairs of the market women and the people of the state at large.
Alhaja Asindemade said the market will not only boost the economy of the state but also affect the lives of the entire citizenry positively
The Ayegbaju International market which has been built on a Public Private Partnership in collaboration with Unity Bank and handled by Edward Property Consult has facilities such as: Mini stalls, Open stalls, Ware house, Lock- up shops, Exclusive shops, Police station, Bank, Medical center, Church, Bukateria, Meat and fish stalls, Wash bay, Cold rooms.
Others facilities in the market also include Mosque, CCTV cameras, Administrative and Maintenance Offices, Administrative lodge among others.
The third phase of the market when completed will have a Petrol station, Mega shopping mall to accommodate cinema and multi-purpose event hall and a three star hotel.
Major roads within were named after prominent sons and daughters of Osogbo as well as names of some families in the town.
The commissioning brought together dignitaries from within and outside the state, among whom is the first lady, Alhaja Serifat Aregbesola, the Deputy Governor, Mrs Titilayo Laoye Tomori as well as members of the state executive council.
