Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday commissioned the Sabo ultra-modern market, Sabo-Yaba being part of efforts of his administration’s commitment in making Lagos a 21st century economy.
The newly commissioned market being the fourth transformation, evolved from a model market into a modern marvel, covering over 13,000 square meters of land and comprising 373 locked-up shops, 80 suites, and 111 key clamps, with facilities, including: a car park, modern toilets, and a mobile health center established by LASHMA, among others.
Speaking at the commissioning, Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, said the newly remolded market was not just a matter of aesthetics, but also a crucial step toward maintaining people’s collective health and well-being in the state, urging the citizens to preserve the new structure.
The governor said market stands as a beacon of progress, a symbol of resilience and a testament to the collaborative efforts that would continue to shape the destiny of the communities, calling on all not to forget the importance of upholding proper environmental sanitation.
The governor recalled that the market, over the years, had witnessed three re-development phases in response to changing dynamics of urbanization driven largely by rising population, saying that it had become a remarkable institution that had stood the test of time as an integral part of the community’s history of over 70 years.
Besides, he said the market offered a convenient alternative to the renowned Oyingbo Market and also playing a pivotal role in driving commercial and trading activities within the area and its environments.
Sanwo-Olu, however, said the need for a more accessible market led to the establishment of Sabo Market, filling a void for the Yaba residents who sought a convenient destination for their daily purchases and commercial activities.
“I am proud to celebrate with you the fourth transformation of this market, evolving from a Model Market into a modern marvel covering over 13,000 square meters of land and comprising 373 locked-up shops, 80 suites, and 111 key clamps. Facilities that have been provided, include: a car park, modern toilets, and a mobile health center established by LASHMA, among other facilities,” the governor said.
He stressed that the project aligned with his administration’s vision of “Greater Lagos” which he said was fast becoming a reality, especially under the “M” pillar of the T.H.EM.E.S. Plus Agenda, which stands for making Lagos a 21st century economy.
The Executive Chairman, Yaba Local Council Development Area, Mr. Omiyale Kayode Adejare, earlier in his welcome address, stressed the importance of the market to the community, saying that it would serve as a good alternative to the popular Tejuosho Market.
The chairman assured that former shop owners in the market would still be brought on board, recalling that “before the re-construction started, they were brought on board and were given more preference in terms of allocation, cost, while credit facility was also put in place for some of them for easy allocation.”
Speaking further, the council boss said the local government had good rapport with the market women and as such had agreed not to allow anyone to engage in street trading along the market corridor in order to maintain order and sanity around the structure thereby maintaining a good environmental sanitation.
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