The Somolu Local Government Area of Lagos state was filled with excitement and joy on Friday, August 30, 2024, as the Executive Chairman, Hon. AbdulHamed Salawu, popularly known as ‘Dullar,’ officially commissioned the newly constructed Olaleye Ultra-Modern Market marking a significant milestone for the community, promising to boost the local economy and improve the quality of life for residents.
The grand opening ceremony, attended by a large crowd of community members, political leaders, artisans, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries was a vibrant celebration of hope, progress, and unity. The new market, designed to meet modern standards, is expected to serve as a hub for commercial activities, providing a conducive environment for traders and shoppers alike.
In his speech, Hon. AbdulHamed Salawu went down memory lane recalling the gory fire disaster that ruined goods running to millions of Naira leaving the trader devastated and thereafter made a promise to reconstruct the market promise which came to fruition noting that considering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his renewed Hope agenda and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commitment, he could not perform less.
He, however, expressed his deep satisfaction with the completion of the project, highlighting its importance to the local economy.
“The Olaleye Ultra-Modern Market is not just a place for buying and selling; it is a symbol of our commitment to the development of Somolu. This market will create jobs, promote local businesses, and enhance the overall standard of living in our community,” he stated.
The Agba-Akin of Agboyi Kingdom, a respected traditional and political icon, acknowledged the efforts and the collective determination of the people of Somolu. “Today, we celebrate not just the opening of a market, but the beginning of a new era of prosperity for our people. The Olaleye Market stands as a testament to what we can achieve when we work together for the common good,” he remarked.
The newly constructed market boasts of state-of-the-art facilities, including spacious stalls, modern sanitation systems, security features, and ample parking space. It has been designed to accommodate a wide range of businesses, from food vendors to artisans and retailers, ensuring that the needs of the diverse population of Somolu are met.
Local traders, who had been eagerly awaiting the market’s opening, expressed their gratitude and optimism about the future. “This market is a blessing for us. It will attract more customers, and the improved facilities will make the work of the traders and the Market Administrators easier and safer”.
“However, I want to use this medium in appreciating the Executive Chairman of Somolu local government for having promised and kept his promise,” said Mrs. Modupe Florence Olufojude, the Iyaloja of Oyediran Market and as well double as Iyaloja General of Somolu local government who has been operating in the area for over a decade.
The contractor and the Managing Director of Premium Height Ltd, Oloye Ashabi Morounranti Adams, the Cultural Ambassador to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ojaja II in her remarks, hinted that Somolu has always been a commercial hub stressing that she was very certain that commerce will thrive in Somolu because of the new Olaleye Shopping Market.
She went further, “People used to come before but they were discouraged because this market is always having flooding problems and don’t forget that this market is over 60 years old considering the fact that development has taken the better part of it and so, we have to take the topography of the market made it higher than the existing developed structures. So, should there be rainfall, there’s no cause for alarm. I’m very certain that commerce will thrive in Somolu because of the new Olaleye Shopping Market”.
The Olaleye Ultra-Modern Market is part of a broader development agenda by the Hon. AbdulHamed Salawu ‘Dullar’s led administration, aimed at enhancing infrastructure, promoting economic growth, and improving the living conditions of residents. Hon. AbdulHamed Salawu’s administration has been widely praised for its focus on community-driven projects, and the successful completion of the market has further solidified his reputation as a leader dedicated to the progress of Somolu.
As the ribbon was cut by the Iyaloja General of Nigeria; Mrs Folashade Ojo and the market officially declared open, the atmosphere was one of celebration and hope. The day was enveloped by the rendition of different local music signalling the beginning of a new era, and a sense of shared achievement, as the people of Somolu looked forward to a brighter and more prosperous future.
Olaleye Market, a key commercial hub in Somolu, was tragically burned down in April 2020 due to an electrical surge that occurred in the middle of the night, leaving many traders devastated. Although no lives were lost in the fire, goods worth millions of naira were destroyed, creating significant economic hardship for the affected traders.
The Olaleye Ultra-Modern Market is now open for business, ready to serve the needs of the community and beyond, standing as a beacon of progress, a place where commerce and community come together in harmony.
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