The Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni, Friday, began the construction of the Damaturu Ultra-Modern Market, demonstrating his commitment to the economic development of the state.
A statement by his spokesperson, Abdullahi Bego, said markets are an important building block of any prosperous economy.
The statement reads: “With the new markets we are building in Damaturu and other towns across the state, we hope to unleash the power of the market to accelerate economic growth, provide jobs for the people and encourage the private sector to produce and to innovate.
“The Damaturu Ultra-Modern market will be built by EURO AFRIC ENERGY LTD at the cost of two billion, eight hundred and thirty-seven, six hundred and ninety-seven, five hundred and fifty naira and twenty-five kobo N2, 837, 697, 550.25.
“The project will entail the construction of open and lock-up shops, administrative building, wall fencing, exit gates and gate houses, concrete pavements, mosques, roads and drainage, electrification, water supply, parking lots, toilets, and fire service and police outposts, amongst others.
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“The market, according to our agreement with the construction company, will be completed within a period of 12 months.
“It used to be that the running of the Damaturu Sunday Market was vested in the Damaturu Local Government Council. That was the case since the creation of our state over 28 years ago, but times have changed.
“With the dilapidated and inadequate structures in the market and the urgent need to boost economic growth, we thought it is necessary for us to intervene at the state level; and this is exactly what we are doing right now,” the governor stressed.
It could be recalled that on the 29 May, during their inauguration, the governor made policy pronouncements that his administration will embark on the construction of modern markets across the state.
Now, during the flag-off ceremony, the governor said: “We are confident that this would ensure that we have in place here in the state capital a standard and appropriate business environment and a one-stop location for all kinds of items and products.
“I want to stress that in keeping with our determination to further develop the state, we would continue to provide incentives for individuals and organizations to invest and to launch new business ventures and to grow the economy,” he stated.
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Governor Buni, therefore, urged the people of Damaturu, particularly the traders and marketers who are the major beneficiaries of this project to cooperate with the construction company and with all relevant officials to ensure adherence to specifications and timely completion of the modern market.
“To ensure that the objectives for which the market is built are fully achieved going forward, we plan to incorporate it as a Limited Liability Company.
“At my direction, the acting Secretary to the State Government will therefore immediately commence work for the drafting of the enabling law for the establishment, powers and functions of the market,” he said.
