The 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 re-modelling of three markets across the state.
The three markets selected for the first phase of the physical improvement included Aare-Alasa Market, Akanran area, Ona-Ara Local Government, Oja-Agbe Market, Iseyin Local Government, Oja-Oba Market, and Ibarapa Central Local Government.
Speaking at the official signing ceremony, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to transforming rural markets into modern, functional hubs that would drive agricultural productivity and improve market access across the state.
He said, “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 farmers and traders”.
In her welcome address, the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye, described the contract signing as a significant milestone in the state’s agricultural transformation efforts. She stressed that the initiative aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision of ensuring food security and economic empowerment in rural communities.
Also speaking, the 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 included Quicbond Nigeria Ltd—Aare Alasa Market, Ona-Ara LGA, Lee Fakino Nigeria Ltd—Oja-Agbe Market, Iseyin LGA, and AB-Bond Habitat Ltd—Oja-Oba Market, Ibarapa Central LGA.
Ekundayo, however, urged the contractors to actively engage with the host communities throughout the project’s execution to ensure sustainability and local support.