By Victor Akinkuolie, Igbekebo
Kiribo, a riverine community in Ese-Odo Local Government area of Ondo State, was recently thrown into jubilation following the completion of 20 additional lock-up shops in the community market.
The project, executed through direct labour and supervised by the works department of the local government, is one of several projects undertaken by the present administration under the leadership of Chief Molos Ebimobowei.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the project site in the ancient community, the chairman said the construction of the 20 market shops was in fulfilment of his commitment to providing critical infrastructure for the people of the local government area.
Ebimobowei said the project, which commenced a few months ago, was part of efforts by the local government to address the shortage of market stalls available to traders in the community.
The council chairman explained that the age-long Kiribo main market is one of the most prominent markets in the local government area, serving traders and buyers from Kiribo, Ajagba, Igbotu, Arogbo and other neighbouring riverine communities.
He noted that the 20 new shops are expected to decongest the market, improve sanitation and create more opportunities for women and youths engaged in small-scale businesses.
The Ese-Odo council helmsman, while appreciating Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his support towards the transformation of the local government, said his administration believes that development must be felt at the grassroots, especially in market centres where people earn their daily livelihoods.
He explained that the new shops are designed to provide traders with a more dignified and organised environment to conduct business, protect their goods from adverse weather conditions and ultimately increase their income while contributing to the economic growth of the local government.
According to him, “This project also reaffirms the administration’s commitment to delivering more people-oriented projects across the local government in line with the values of democracy, peace, unity and progress.”
He disclosed that the market stalls would be commissioned alongside other notable projects executed by the local government, all aimed at making life more bearable for the people of the council area.
He promised that his administration, in collaboration with the Ondo State Government, would continue to execute more development projects in line with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s ‘OUR EASE’ agenda.