Oyo State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (OY-RAAMP) has awarded contracts worth N3.5 billion for the first phase of physical improvement and remodeling of three markets across the state.
The three markets selected for the first phase of the physical improvement included Aare-Alasa Market in Akanran area of Ona-Ara local government area; Oja-Agbe Market in Iseyin local government area and Oja-Oba Market in Ibarapa Central local government area of the state.
Speaking at the official signing ceremony, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to transforming rural markets into modern, functional hubs that would drive agricultural productivity and improve access to markets across the state.
“These markets will undergo comprehensive modernisation, including upgraded infrastructure, enhanced storage facilities, improved access roads, and other critical features aimed at streamlining agricultural logistics and supporting both farmers and traders,” Barr. Olaleye said.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye, described the contract signing as a significant milestone in the state’s agricultural transformation efforts stressing that the initiative aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision of ensuring food security and economic empowerment in rural communities.
OY-RAAMP Coordinator, Mrs. Adeola Ekundayo explained that the N3.5 billion allocation covers N1,227,196,608.81 for the Aare Alasa Market upgrade, N1,219,954,792.90 for the Oja-Agbe Market upgrade and N1,042,800,042.63 for the Oja-Oba Market improvement.
She noted that the Agro-Logistics component of RAAMP was strategically designed to enhance rural market infrastructure, ensure better linkage to rural roads, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve the accessibility of farm produce.
The contractors awarded for each project site include Quicbond Nigeria Ltd for Aare Alasa Market, Lee Fakino Nigeria Ltd for Oja-Agbe Market while AB-Bond Habitat Ltd will handle the Oja-Oba Market project.
Ekundayo, however urged the contractors to actively engage with the host communities throughout the project’s execution to ensure sustainability and local support.