By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The first phase of the N1.5bn Gbugbu international market in Edu local government Area of Kwara state is ready for delivery.

Disclosing this to newsmen during an inspection visit to the project site, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said the first phase
of the project comprises 200 open stores and 22 lock-up shops — complete with electrical fittings and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities to maintain a healthier trading environment, adding that the next two phases would include abattoir, police station, fire station, car park, administrative office, among others.

When completed, the market is expected to have multiplier effects on the local economy, being a historic trading melting pot bringing together peoples from across West Africa subregion.

He said: “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. So, there was the need to develop it. It is a good and big project that will gulp about N1.5billion for the three phases.

“I am impressed with the work done so far by the contractor. We are making sure that WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) programme on the sideline as we built the facility. You can also see the new school we just built. So no community will be left unattended to by our administration. It shows that this is a responsible government.

“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 would immensely benefit alot of people from far and near as Edu is poised to become a very rich local government in the State.

“This market will take advantage of the trickle-down effects of these major industries. Kwara will be epicenter of sugar production in Nigeria and Gbugbu will benefit from it immensely,” he added.

Gbugbu International Market Site Engineer, Yisa Gisang, said the market is divided into three phases with the first phase already completed, assuring Kwarans that the phase one would be delivered for use this Tuesday, explaining that the construction work on the project was executed to meet the international standard and according to specifications.

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

Jubril, known locally as ‘No Fighting’, 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.

End