The three markets selected for the first phase of the physical improvements are Aare-Alasa Market, Akanran area, Ona-Ara Local Government; Oja-Agbe Market, Iseyin Local Government; and Oja-Oba Market, Ibarapa Central Local Government.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye made this known in a statement released by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade.

He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to transforming rural markets into modern, functional hubs that will drive agricultural productivity and improve market access across the state.

While delivering her address, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Abosede Owoeye, highlighted the contract signing as an important step in the state’s agricultural transformation efforts. She emphasized that this initiative supports Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision of enhancing food security and promoting economic empowerment in rural areas.

In the same vein, the OY-RAAMP Coordinator, 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, N1,042,800,042.63 for the Oja-Oba market improvement.”

She noted that the Agro-Logistics component of RAAMP is 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– Aare Alasa Market, Ona-Ara LGA, Lee Fakino Nigeria Ltd– Oja-Agbe Market, Iseyin LGA, AB-Bond Habitat Ltd– Oja-Oba Market, Ibarapa Central LGA

Ekundayo, therefore, urged the contractors to actively engage with the host communities throughout the project’s execution to ensure sustainability and local support.