Oyo govt awards N3.5bn contracts to upgrade three rural markets
By Adejayan Gbenga
The Oyo State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (OY-RAAMP) has awarded contracts worth N3.5 billion for the first phase of upgrading and remodeling three rural markets across the state.
The selected markets are Aare-Alasa Market in the Akanran area of Ona-Ara Local Government, Oja-Agbe Market in Iseyin Local Government, and Oja-Oba Market in Ibarapa Central Local Government.
At the contract signing ceremony, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, affirmed the state government’s commitment to transforming rural markets into modern and functional centers that will boost agricultural productivity and improve market access.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye, described the move as a significant milestone in the state’s agricultural reform agenda and a reflection of Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision for food security and rural economic development.
Providing a breakdown of the contract sums, OY-RAAMP Coordinator, Engr. Mrs. Adeola Ekundayo, said N1.22 billion was allocated for Aare-Alasa Market, N1.21 billion for Oja-Agbe Market, and N1.04 billion for Oja-Oba Market.
She noted that the project, under the Agro-Logistics component of RAAMP, aims to improve rural infrastructure, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance access to markets and farm produce.
The contractors selected are Quicbond Nigeria Ltd for Aare-Alasa Market, Lee Fakino Nigeria Ltd for Oja-Agbe Market, and AB-Bond Habitat Ltd for Oja-Oba Market.
Engr. Ekundayo urged all contractors to engage closely with host communities throughout the project’s execution to ensure sustainability and local cooperation.
