*commissions new Sasa Market
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
Governor Seyi Makinde on Tuesday, advised the people of Oyo State and Nigerians in general not to allow religion, ethnicity, and other differences to divide them.
Speaking at the commissioning of an ultramodern Sasa Market facility with 200 lock-up shops, 84 units of open shops, 8 units of toilets for men and women, office unit, trailer, and car parks, the governor tasked the market men and women in Sasa that will occupy the new facility, to dwell in peace.
Specifically, the governor maintained that the last crisis at the market must never be allowed to recur, saying, ” I want to admonish you to continue to work together.”
” We must not allow things like ethnicity, language, religion or any such matters to divide us. When the last incident happened, few of my colleagues came because people were concerned throughout Nigeria and you know that if the incident was not well – managed then, it would have spread throughout the whole of the country but we thank God for the management”, he said
Governor Makinde added, ” when the crisis started, the Hausa people were with the Seriki while the Yoruba people were with the Baale. But today, I want everyone to see this development as a symbol to unite everyone”.
“ Let me start by welcoming everyone to this ultramodern Sasa market. This commissioning we are experiencing here today is a moment of rejoicing but I don’t want us to forget how we got to this point. Whoever forgets the mistakes of yesterday will repeat but I pray that we won’t repeat the mistake that brought us to this point.The separate incidents that occurred in November 2020 and February 2021 remain a footnote in history that should not repeat itself”.
The governor noted, ” so, I want to appeal to us that this new structure become a symbol of unity and oneness. Each time we come to the market to buy or sell something, let it be a reminder that we are one. You see, hunger does not know religion. During the crisis then, the needless losses cut across everybody. So, I want to believe we will never repeat the unfortunate history.
According to the governor, ” in this facility, there are 200 lock-up shops, 84 units of open shops, 8 units of toilets for men and women, office units, trailer and car parks. I want to encourage the market users to continue to dwell in peace. The commercial activities, which take place here, and in other parts of our state, are vital to the growth of our economy.”
Governor Makinde then assured of his administration’s commitment to building infrastructure that targets the economy of the state, urged residents of the state to be watchful in the coming elections and to ensure that they reject politicians who lack simple knowledge of the state’s situation.
Chairman of Akinyele Local government, Mr. Taoheed Adedigba in his welcome address hailed Governor Makinde for his excellent achievements in the local government.
Mr Adedigba listed some of the developmental projects in the local government to include Ojoo Bus Terminal, tarring of Moniya/Iseyin road, location of Amotekun Headquarters, provision of modern and sophisticated health equipment, resuscitation of the Pacesetter Quarry, lighting up of the local government community and ongoing second phase of Akinyele Farmers’ Market along Akinyele/Oyo road.
The Chairman stressed that his administration will continue to complement the efforts of the state government and to key into the governor’s vision of restoring the glory of Oyo State.
