Former Head of WAEC in Nigeria, High Chief Olutise Ademipekun and America-based jProfessor of Animal Medicine, Prof. Oyewole Ajifolokun; two illustrious sons of Ere-Ijesa in Oriade LGA of Osun State have justified the setting up of N100m Worth Ultra Modern Market in the town for Economic Transformation
The duo made their comments during the Commissioning of the newly constructed Ultra Modern Market tagged , ‘Elere Ajifolokunsaya Market Complex’ over the weekend.
The Market, which is located at the site of the old one; comprises of 40 shops; 20 open stalls on ground floor, 20lock up first floor, 60toilets and a security post.
Also, the beautiful edifies has a dedicated borehole.
The ceremony, which started early in the day witnessed the reading of opening address by High Chief Olutise Adenipekun, a former Head of WAEC in Nigeria.
Speaking on the project consummation, Adenipekun traced the origin of the market to Nov. 2022, when a foremost PRINAJ Hotel, Resort and Suites located in the town was commissioned.
He said the friends of the founder, Prof. Oyewole Ajifolokun , who came for the Commissioning among whom were Chief Adewale Adeoye, Chief Gbobaniyi of Ere-Ijesa and members of Club Five of USA, there and then pledged to do something to the glory of the town.
“The market is meant to serve as center of commerce for the town and its environ.It is also meant to impact on the lives of the people of the area .
‘”It is also a promotion for the town being a neuclus of other communities in the area, ” he said.
Commenting on the Project, the proprietor of PRINAJ,Hotel,Resorts and Suites, who is a major financier said:”I conceived the idea after the Commissioning of my hotel so that those who lodge there can branch in the market and purchase foodstuffs and other things on their way out at affordable prices.”
Speaking on his conviction that it is commerce that drives any nation’s economy, he stated “even though I built it for the community, it would be handed over to the town council for usage, management and maintenance.”
The said apart from that, “the market was built to remove the traders from street and resttle them in a decent and secured environment.”
He, however, implored the community to ensure proper maintenance of the facilities.
The Iya Loja of Ere- Ijesa, Chief Jacob Mojirade commended the efforts of those who financed the project, saying ‘I am very happy about it.’
She promised to ensure that the market is being used to the betterment of the people, while imploring the traders to ensure that the prices of their goods are affordable.
The Ruler of the town, His Royal Majesty(HRM), Oba Augustine Adenipekun, Elere of Ere-Ijesa, thanked all those who contributed to the success of the project.
He promised that the project would be sustained and maintained.
Meanwhile, the cutting of the ribbon which signaled the commissioning of the market, was done by Dr Adigun Adewale, who represented Chief Yinka Fasuyi, the Asiwaju of Ijesaland.
Other highlights of the ceremony include cultural display, demonstration by market women and vote of thanks by the organizing committee.
