By Mike Adeyemi
Alapa market in the Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State has been described as the business hub of the North Central zone of Nigeria.
The Babaloja of the market, Alhaji Mohammed Saheed made the assertion while speaking to our reporter in Ilorin, recently.
Saheed who is also the Magaji Alapa, said the market has transformed over time to a central business place for the north.
“People across the country patronise Alapa market on its market days to buy farm produce. Traders come from Kano State, Kaduna State, Imo State, Oyo State, Ondo State and beyond.
He added that Alapa market generates over N2 million naira in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to the coffers of Kwara State Government monthly.
He, however, lamented that the market still lacks basic amenities due to government neglect, appealing that the present administration to upgrade the market to world class standard.
“Unfortunately, we have not been compensated in term of the huge IGR we acquired to the government as the market lacks basic facilities.
“Our problem at Alapa market is that there are no modern facilities like street light, toilets and good road networks at the market. We paid our taxes to the agency of the government promptly, but it seems they had a band us to our faith.
“We want to appeal to the government to uplift the market to meet international standard,” he stated.
