By
Babangida Galleon
Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has directed the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industries to engage competent facility managers to oversee the security and maintenance of the newly remodelled Yola Modern Market, now named Modibbo Adama Modern Market, to safeguard the facility and give it a befitting status.
The Governor gave the directive during an official commissioning of the market held at its premises, in Yola town.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri said projects of this magnitude require collective efforts in sanitation, care, and appreciation to endure, thereby urging traders to take full ownership of the market by maintaining their business premises and adhering to laid-down rules.
“over the years, traders and residents lived with the painful and gory realities of reoccurring fire outbreaks that have consistently left shops destroyed, goods worth Millions of Naira gutted and livelihoods shattered, most times beyond repairs ”
The Governor explained that, despite challenges and misconceptions previously associated with the market, government remained resolute in taking deliberate steps to address superstitions and unfounded beliefs, and to deliver a lasting solution that not only rebuilt the market, but also restored hope, improved safety, enhanced the business environment, and reconstruct the livelihoods of families beyond the market walls.
He commended the indigenous contractors who, under supervision, executed the project to standard, and subsequently commissioned and named the facility to Modibbo Adama Modern Market.
In a remark, the Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Industries, Joab Sama, disclosed that the market has a total of 936 shops, comprising 120 open shops and 816 lock-up shops, adding that the facility now boasts a stronger perimeter fence, wider access roads, a comprehensive water reticulation system with overhead tanks, and fire hydrants strategically installed to prevent future fire disasters.
According to the Commissioner, the market also has drainages, modern toilet facilities, and other sanitation amenities for the comfort of traders, as well as an administrative block for the day-to-day management of the market.
“initially, the number of shops submitted by the traders union was 307 but the governor added 43 shops , making a total of 350 to accommodate any oversight ”
In their goodwill messages, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Auwal Tukur, Chairman of Yola South Local Government Area, Salisu Usman, as well as representatives of the Lamido Adamawa and various traders’ unions, commended the Governor for remodelling the Yola market.
They noted that the project will further boost economic activities and improve the wellbeing of surrounding communities.
The highpoint of the event was a stage drama by the Adamawa State Arts and Culture Council troupe.
