Awolowo Market in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State is set for a major facelift following plans for the construction of modern shops and open stalls facilitated by Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan Yayi.

The intervention is aimed at improving the trading environment and providing a more organised and befitting market space for traders and customers in the area.

During an inspection of the market, the project team, accompanied by engineers handling the construction, visited locations earmarked for the new structures and engaged traders on the planned development.

Addressing the traders, the project representative explained the areas that would be affected by the construction and the arrangements put in place to ensure that affected traders are not left stranded.

He said the modern shops would not be sold to traders, stressing that those whose existing shops would be affected by the construction would be provided with new shops upon completion of the project.

“The modern shops are not for sale. Some existing shops will have to be demolished to make room for the new structures, but those whose shops are affected will be given new shops when the project is completed.”

To ensure transparency and prevent genuine traders from being left out, the team has commenced a shop-to-shop registration of traders whose shops are expected to be affected.

The exercise involves collecting the names and relevant details of the affected traders to minimise errors, misplacement of names or any situation that could result in genuine beneficiaries being excluded.

The project is expected to be completed within approximately three months.

As part of the interim arrangement, the existing Papa/Ilaro Park will be used for the construction of open stalls during the first phase of the project. Traders whose shops are affected will be able to use the temporary stalls while construction of the modern shops continues.

The project representative acknowledged that the development could cause some temporary inconvenience but appealed to the traders to cooperate with the project team.

“I understand that the process may come with some temporary inconvenience, but I appeal to the traders to bear with us and embrace the development. Awolowo Market is old enough to have a new look.”

He added that the objective was to create a more organised and befitting market environment that would serve both traders and customers.

The traders were also assured that their interests would be considered throughout the process and urged to cooperate with the project team to ensure the successful completion of the development.

The representative expressed appreciation to Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan Yayi, representing Ogun West Senatorial District, for facilitating the intervention and considering Sagamu Local Government for the project.

“I appreciate Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan Yayi for facilitating this intervention and considering Sagamu Local Government for this important development.”