Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday officially commissioned the first phase of the Gbugbu International Market amid applause from the residents of the commercial area.
The Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Muhammed Kudu Kawu, called the development a cheery one as he again said Governor AbdulRazaq deserves another term of four years on account of his visible achievements and empathy for the people, especially the rural poor.
“Gbugbu Market is the single biggest commercial opportunity in the entire Edu, Patigi Local Government today. So, for you to spend the money to make it international standard is highly welcome, and you have provided our people with a huge opportunity to sell their produce to the international communities,” the Emir said.
“Except for those of us that live here, there is nobody that will truly appreciate what you have done here than us.
“I can tell you that every Wednesday, if you go to all the communities in Edu and Patigi, they are empty, because all of them would have come out to the market, and brought their produce to sell and buy things they need for the whole week. This is a major source of livelihood for our communities, and without this market, there may be a difficult life for our people especially those in the villages.”
He thanked the administration for deeming it fit to modernize the commercial centre.
“We thank you tremendously for deeming it fit to build this market and expand the opportunities for our people. You have certainly enhanced their values and opportunities for improving their livelihood,” he added.
Joining the Governor for the commissioning were Senator Sadiq Umar; House of Assembly members; cabinet members and other officials of government and members of the ruling party.
AbdulRazaq, for his part, said the project was a deliberate effort of his administration to impact the people economically, promising to embark on more infrastructural projects to promote their living standards.
“The trade that will be done here will impact meaningfully on the environment here. This project is deliberate because the people of Gbugbu are also entitled to the dividends of democracy. It confirms part of our policy to invest in every sector of our communities. Lafiagi is known for both farming and commerce. Everything legal under the sun will be traded here eventually,” the Governor said.
“Gbugbu is very strategic in the sense that once the new bridge that was awarded by President Muhammadu Buhari is built, driving from here to Abuja will be an easy task. We will not stop on just constructing Gbugbu International Market alone. We will also expand other developmental projects like education and healthcare. You’ve seen how we have fixed your schools with the digital literacy centres.”
The commissioning was followed by different campaign stops in Lafiagi town, where the Governor and other APC leaders addressed the people amid pledges of support for the APC.
The Governor is also expected to touch down in Shonga Emirate and Tsaragi where thousands of party loyalists are waiting for the campaign train that is energised by the achievements of the administration in every part of the state.
