The Oyo State Government, through its Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (OY-RAAMP), has signed contracts totaling N3.5 billion for the first phase of modernizing three rural markets across the state.
The selected markets include Aare-Alasa Market in Ona-Ara LGA, Oja-Agbe Market in Iseyin LGA, and Oja-Oba Market in Ibarapa Central LGA.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, shared the update in a statement issued by Information Commissioner Dotun Oyelade on Sunday in Ibadan. Olaleye said the initiative is part of the state’s efforts to upgrade rural markets into modern centers that will boost agricultural output and improve farmers’ access to markets.
The upgrades will include improved infrastructure, better storage facilities, and upgraded access roads, all aimed at enhancing agricultural logistics and trade.
Permanent Secretary Abosede Owoeye described the contract signing as a major step in the state’s agricultural reform strategy and aligned it with Governor Seyi Makinde’s goals of promoting food security and economic empowerment in rural areas.
OY-RAAMP Coordinator Adeola Ekundayo provided a breakdown of the project costs:
Aare-Alasa Market: N1.23 billion
Oja-Agbe Market: N1.22 billion
Oja-Oba Market: N1.04 billion
She emphasized that the project’s agro-logistics component is designed to improve rural infrastructure, reduce post-harvest losses, and strengthen market access for agricultural produce.
The contractors assigned to the projects are:
Quicbond Nigeria Ltd – Aare-Alasa Market
Lee Fakino Nigeria Ltd – Oja-Agbe Market
AB-Bond Habitat Ltd – Oja-Oba Market
Ekundayo urged the contractors to work closely with local communities to ensure successful and sustainable implementation.
