Ekiti State Government on Saturday pulled down the ancient Erekesan (Ojaba) Market in Ado-Ekiti with a promise to build an ultra-modern market in its place in the next 18 months.
Speaking on the development, the Commissioner for Works, Mr Kayode Osho, who was on site when the demolition started, reiterated the resolve of the state government to also give preference to former shop owners when the new market is built.
A statement in Ado-Ekiti by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, said the exercise went smoothly.
Osho said, “I am giving the assurance that work will not stop the moment we start. The demolition has started now and then it will be followed by clearing of the debris and the preparation of the place for construction to start.
“Within the next few weeks the contractors will be on site and the construction work will start and I can give our words that within the next 18 months, the market will be completed.
“As for the fear of some former shop owners that they would not be accommodated in the new market, there is no need for fear. We are going to have more than enough shops for former owners and even those that will seek shops there.
“We are going to give preference to those former shop owners. There is no cause for alarm. However, people should take the warning by Governor Ayodele Fayose serious that no trader will be allowed to loiter around here.
“All former traders here are to move to Awedele and Agric Olope Markets. There are more than enough space to accommodate the traders. The bold and courageous step taken by Mr Governor should be commended by people who love good things and the development of our state. We are going to leave a legacy that people will appreciate for generations to come.”
He said over N140 million was paid as compensation to former owners of structures in the demolished market.
On the facilities to be provided at the new market, Osho said there would be over 1000 shops for different categories of traders, a clinic, a car park for over 400 cars, a fire station among others.
The issue of the reconstruction of the market has been of public interest in the past few weeks following anxiety that the state government would extend the ultimatum given the traders to vacate the place.
Thrice the state government had postponed the deadline given the traders to move out, but Governor Fayose said few days ago that there would not be any further extension.
