After Governor Akinwumi Ambode’s directive to the duo of Ikeja Local Government leadership and the concessionaire of the project to deliver a clean market, the authorities have officially opened yesterday, the new Alade market amidst pomp and pageantry.
The project, which was conceived as an alternative market for the relocation of the traders from the old market and as condition for the redevelopment of the over 35 years old market, finally opened for business after a nearly 20-year battle to relocate the traders. Pomp, festivity and camaraderie defined the opening ceremony, which was performed by the wife of Lagos State governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, as the Iyaloja General, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo was prominently in attendance.
Speaking at the occasion, the sole administrator of Ikeja Local Government, Mr. Abiodun Taiwo, stated that the relocation of the market was a first in more than one way, but mostly for the fact that never before in the country has a new market been made ready for traders before the old was pulled down. “The relocation of Alade market is a novelty in the annals of market development in Nigeria.
This is the first time traders will be relocated even to a better market before the old one is pulled down. When we were appointed, his Excellency gave us a salient assignment. He said he wanted a clean market. I believe this market is in tandem with that. He said he wanted a very safe environment. I think this market also has a pass mark in that regard. And he said he wants a prosperous Lagos and this is a foundation for prosperous traders. Today, we are here to commission what was a dream,” he stated.
The concessionaire, Mr. Lai Omotola, an engineer, revealed that things started to turn around on a particular day when he was brought down to tears during one of the numerous consultations that were held with the market stakeholders. According to him, it was his tears of frustration that won over the market’s Iyaloja, Chief (Mrs.) Aina Adenuga, to his side as the latter’s motherly feelings became stirred in his favour. He recalled: “ I studied in America. As a matter of fact, when the redevelopment of Alade Market first came up I was still a university student. But when I came into the picture, I did not take a long time before I realized that I would need to put aside all my academic knowledge if I was to get anywhere with the market women. It seemed they were a group of market people like no other I have met before.”
The market comprises 504 lock up shops, 200 open stores, 150KVA and another 350KVA generators, 20 toilets, three boreholes, a completely paved interlocking stones-type over 50 cars capacity park. Additional features include 80 open stores (also known as Kee Klamps) which are in the making while foundations have been laid for an unspecified number of more stores, all in a bid to satisfy the demands of the original owners of the old Alade Market at the popular Allen Junction in Lagos.