…as construction works begin today
By Matthew Denis and Mike Adeyemi
The umbrella body of the Kwara State Marketers Association of Nigeria have lauded the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki for donating N5 million towards construction of their permanent Secretariat.
The market leader popularly referred to as ‘Iya Oloja General, Hajia Adenike Abdulkareem Lambe, expressed appreciation to the Senate President during the special prayer session held at the project site at the Mandate Market, Ilorin, on Thursday.
She said, ” We want to use this opportunity to appreciate our distinguished Senate President, Dr. Saraki for supporting us with N5 million to construct our permanent secretariat.”
Abdulkareem stressed that the building project when completed would further foster unity among traders in the state
She, however, pledged the support of all members in the 170 markets in the 16 Local Government Areas for Saraki come 2019 general elections.
Also speaking, the Babaloja General, Alhaji Tunde Jimoh revealed that the building materials are already on site, adding that work will commence on Monday.
The market leader called on politicians to take a cue from the Senate President by assisting traders and artisans in the state.
Ustaz Abdulrasheed Yusuf led other Muslim clerics at the prayer session at the site.
Meanwhile, speaking on the development, tghe babaloja of Ilorin West Traders Association, Alhaji Mashood Alaya in an interview with Pilot Business, in Ilorin at the weekend also thanked Saraki for the gesture.
He noted that market traders in the state had earlier sought the intervention of Saraki towards the take off of the ultramodern secretariat, expressing gratitude for the gesture.
He disclosed that the building project would cost N20 million, adding that the senate president has promised to give more donation towards the project.
Alaya said that efforts are on top gear to revolutionise the Ita-Amon market to meet the vision of late kingpin of Kwara politics, Abubakar Olusola Saraki, who established it 10 years ago.
“Scores of traders are operating in the Saraki market. So, we are trying to upgrade the market to modern standard. We appeal to the state Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed to assist us towards achieving this aim,” he further added.
