The Oyo State Government has awarded contracts worth N3.5 billion for the first phase of modernization projects targeting three major rural markets in the state.
According to a statement issued in Ibadan on Sunday, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, announced that the selected markets—Aare-Alasa Market in Ona-Ara Local Government, Oja-Agbe Market in Iseyin Local Government, and Oja-Oba Market in Ibarapa Central—will undergo significant infrastructural transformation.
Olaleye emphasized the state’s commitment to boosting agricultural productivity and enhancing market access for rural communities.
“The planned upgrades will provide modern infrastructure, better storage facilities, and improved road access to facilitate agricultural logistics and support local farmers and traders,” he stated.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, also highlighted the administration’s vision to transform rural economies into sustainable hubs for food security and economic empowerment.
Speaking at the contract signing ceremony, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Abosede Owoeye, described the initiative as a “major milestone in Oyo’s agricultural development drive.”
Adeola Ekundayo, State Coordinator of the Oyo Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (OY-RAAMP), said the project’s agro-logistics component aims to reduce post-harvest losses and improve the rural supply chain.
She disclosed the specific contract allocations: Aare-Alasa Market will receive N1.227 billion, Oja-Agbe Market N1.219 billion, and Oja-Oba Market N1.043 billion.
Contractors assigned to the projects include Quicbond Nigeria Ltd for Aare-Alasa Market, Lee Fakino Nigeria Ltd for Oja-Agbe Market, and AB-Bond Habitat Ltd for Oja-Oba Market.
Ekundayo urged the contractors to collaborate closely with local communities during project implementation to ensure ownership and long-term sustainability.
“This is not just about buildings. It is about connecting farmers to markets, improving incomes, and transforming the rural economy,” she noted.
