Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide, popularly known as Odidiomo, received a warm welcome from market men and women at Oja Oba Market in Ibarapa, where he announced plans to begin installing 50 solar street lights this week and pledged attention to other facilities needed to improve trading conditions.
The market engagement brought him before the Iyaloja, Babaloja, other market leaders and traders, who used the opportunity to highlight the challenges they face and the improvements they want to see in their working environment.
During the visit, Odidiomo made cash donations to market leaders, women and youths. He also asked the market leadership to compile a list of their priority needs, providing a basis for identifying practical interventions that could improve the market and the livelihoods of those who depend on it.
The planned installation of 50 solar street lights emerged as one of the major developments from the engagement, with work expected to commence this week.
Market representatives raised concerns about inadequate borehole facilities and insufficient electricity. They called for improved access to water, better lighting and the establishment of an administrative office to support the market’s operations.
One elder explained that an existing borehole was inadequate for the wider market community, while the Otun Iya Oja also emphasised the need for electricity. Their contributions highlighted the importance of basic amenities to traders who rely on the market for their daily income.
By asking the market leadership to submit a list of its needs, Odidiomo sought to document the community’s priorities beyond the immediate lighting intervention.
Beyond infrastructure and financial support, Odidiomo spoke about accountability during election campaigns. He urged traders to ask politicians seeking their votes to provide evidence of projects executed from 2023 to date, rather than relying on promises alone.
He also told the market people that if politicians offered them money, they could accept it but should vote according to their conscience. His message centred on the importance of examining political claims against evidence of performance while preserving each person’s freedom to make an independent electoral decision.
Odidiomo also spoke positively about Governor Seyi Makinde’s tenure, describing it as beneficial to the people.
The gathering also featured other political figures, including Hon. Anthony, who is seeking a second term representing Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North in the House of Representatives, and Hon. Abdul Lateef Akorede, who is seeking election to the Oyo State House of Assembly.
Market representatives expressed their expectations of elected officials and aspirants. Jagun Iberekojo assured the gathering of support for the forthcoming election, while the Otun Iya Oja appreciated the incumbents and aspirants and reiterated the market’s request for electricity and other improvements.
The visit formed part of Odidiomo’s four-day engagement across Ibarapaland, during which he met community stakeholders and listened to issues affecting residents.
For Oja Oba Market, the immediate development is the planned installation of 50 solar street lights, expected to begin this week. The requests for adequate water, electricity and an administrative office also remain important priorities raised by the market community.
The next milestone will be the commencement of the lighting work, followed by progress on the wider needs identified by the traders. The market has made its concerns known; attention will now turn to what is delivered on the ground.
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