The BAO Impact Series No 1
BY ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA
Since his assumption of office on October 16, 2022, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has proved his mettle as a promise keeper. The Ekiti landscape is dotted with incontrovertible evidences of promises he has fulfilled in making life better for the citizens of the State.
Recall that Governor Oyebanji rode on the crest of a development blueprint famously known as the six-pillar agenda which he has gradually, steadily and assuredly implemented to the benefit of the people under two years with so many good stories to tell.
Standing on the fifth leg of Governor Oyebanji’s roadmap to keeping Ekiti working is Infrastructure and Industrialization. He is conscious of the fact that solid infrastructure is needed to attract investment and generate more job opportunities to make shared prosperity he envisions a reality.
One of the major concerns of Mr. Governor is how to provide more infrastructure to market men and women to ply their trade and also expand the choice of citizens in terms of market facilities where they can get affordable goods and services.
The Governor has scored another goal with the full take off of Shasha BAO Market located in Agric Olope area of Ado Ekiti. If you have not been to the market before, go there and see what Oyebanji has done as the market has been added to the list of prominent markets in the state capital.
Shasha BAO Market was not there before Oyebanji’s ascension to power but with Mr. Governor’s vision, diligent pursuit of same, tenacity and avowed commitment to fulfillment of promises, the market has become a reality.
There are many gaps the new market has come to fill. First, it was established to reduce the pressure on the two major markets in Ado Ekiti: Oja Erekesan (King’s Market) and Oja Bisi; second, to open up new areas for more economic activities; third, to provide enabling environment for traders and customers to interact freely; to attract more amenities to hitherto hidden areas; to save lives of residents from possible accidents that may occur from displaying wares by the roadside, among others.
Shasha Market, anywhere it is located, serves as a trading hub for food produce from local farms and also the ones brought from the northern part of the country whose indigenes are also play prominent roles in the buying and selling that such markets are synonymous with.
Shasha BAO Market can be reached from Moferere side, Ajilosun side (through Agric Olope junction) and Matthew side off Ijigbo. To make access to the market easier, the Governor ensured the reconstruction of the road linking Agric Olope with Matthew and fully complemented with drainage to prevent erosion and solar-powered streetlights to provide illumination.
Private vehicle owners, commercial drivers and motorcyclists commuters, traders, buyers, artisans and passersby now have good stories to tell on the road that used to be dilapidated and had caused damage to vehicles in the past. It used to be impassable during rains before it was turned around by the Governor.
One of the long-term goals of the Oyebanji Administration was to ensure the relocation of traders from the Okesha Market to the new market which deals in sale of foodstuffs at more affordable prices. Their relocation to the Shasha BAO Market has now been made possible judging by the visit of this writer to the market earlier this week.
With Shasha BAO Market now having good road connectivity, commercial drivers, motorcyclists and tricycle operators now ply the market conveying traders and buyers there from any part of the state for business transactions.
The hustle and bustle witnessed by this writer during his visit to the market couldn’t have been imagined years ago. Oyebanji has changed the narrative, Oyebanji has changed the story of that entire corridor for good.
Another incentive being benefited from the market is in the area of security. A new police station was constructed at the market and it has since become operational. Also, the Amotekun Corps also have their post very close to the market and this gives assurance to people doing business there of combat-readiness to deal with any security breach.
Shasha BAO Market also boasts of water facilities to boost sanitation and hygiene and parking space to prevent parking on the road and prevent traffic congestion which is a major problem in market areas.
Business activities was in full swing during this writer’s visit to the market. The beauty of this market is that there is still room for expansion. Looking for cheaper food items to purchase, Shasha BAO Market is there for you.
This is another blessing that Governor Oyebanji has brought to the people of Ekiti State and you will agree with me that his Shared Prosperity mantra is not a lip service but a reality indeed.
With the establishment of Shasha BAO Market, Governor Oyebanji has immortalized himself in the hearts of the people as the market would continue to bear his name (even though he didn’t name it after himself) and serve as an eternal legacy to generations yet unborn.
Ogunmola is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Print Media