By Mike Adeyemi
The proposed Amoyo International market in Kwara State is to gulp N10billion.
The disclosure was made yesterday by the Group Assistant Vice President, Harmony Holdings Ltd(HHL), Adebayo Sanni at his office in Ilorin.
Sanni described the idea as apposite judging by the growing phase of capital cities in Nigeria, with Ilorin inclusive.
According to him, the large chunk of fund for the project will be provided by a private company.
“We are in partnership with a private company in Lagos, Millennium Ltd, with 60 per cent stake in the market project. We had meeting with the intending buyers with a bit monetary commitment so that the company can see a sense of commitment from the part of the buyer”.
Speaking further on the development, he said, “There is a need to have a centralised market within the metropolis that will be very structured and organised where you can find whatever ordinary people might have to travel far and wide for”.
“When you look at the Ilorin metropolis in the last couples of years, you will find out that markets along the General hospital to the Emir’s palace are becoming congested on a daily basis.
“Those areas were not originally designed for commercial activities. Ibrahim Taiwo road which was predominantly used to be residential area has now turned commercial hub of the city. But as a result of influx of people from the North due to the crisis in the region, those people stopped over in Ilorin as a result of its harmonious atmosphere, thus populating the city”.
In a bid to proffer solution to the impending chaotic situation, Harmony Holdings in collaboration with other stakeholders came up with the idea of moving the traders to an International market in the mould of Alaba International market in Lagos.
“We approached the state government and we were directed to have an agreement with the Ministry of Commerce who instantly bought into it. Together, we came up with the template and modalities with further collaboration with the state Ministry of Works and Kwara State Road Traffic Management Authority (KWARTMA). We all met severally, set up a road map, and commenced the ground work, late 2016”.
He added that core stakeholders like Igbo Traders Association, the Iyaloja General of the state and others bought into the scheme. According to him, the choice of Amoyo came up as there was already plan to dualise the Amoyo expressway.
“Currently we have acquired 30 hectares of land, which can accommodate any expansion at the market for the next 20-30 years.”
He said the market when completed will boast of modern facilities such as elementary school, good road network, security post and street light.
He however added that in line with the wish of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, the market which is to be constructed this year will be assessable to the masses.
