Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, inaugurated 12 executive members of the State’s Market Leaders Council drawn from the seven geo-political zones across the state to pilot the affairs of various markets in the state.

The State Market Leaders’ Council, which is the umbrella body of all registered Trade/Market Associations in the State, was established in 2013 by Government under the name Oyo State Market Leaders’ Advisory Council to foster good working relationship with each other at fast-tracking the socio-economic development of the State.

The immediate past administration inaugurated three (3) State Market Leaders’ Council with two (2) years tenure in the years 2013, 2015 and 2018 whose tenure ended on 30th July, 2020.

At the event which held at House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, the governor sought the cooperation of newly inaugurated members, to work closely with the present administration, with a view to actualising its policy towards taking the citizenry from poverty to prosperity.

Represented by the Commissioner for Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, the governor equally stated that in realization of the need at providing the Council with a conducive Legal framework, has commenced the process of fashioning out an enabling law in concert with the critical stakeholders.

While acknowledging the doggedness of the immediate past leadership of the State Market Leaders’ Council for the foundation laid in making the Council to continue to be relevant in the scheme of things in governance, stated that the followership and strength of all Trade/ Market Associations will deepen their capacity for the socio-political development of Oyo State.

He said: “I am highly delighted to be in your midst this morning as another landmark in the annals of history is being recorded in Oyo State by the present administration with the inauguration of the State Markets Leaders’ Council taking place here today.

“It is pertinent to note that the State Market Leaders’ Council with eight (8) Clusters at the inception of the present Administration for the purpose of inclusiveness in line with principles of democratic ethos have been increased to twelve (12) spread across the seven (7) Geo-political Zones in the State.

“I am persuaded that the State Market Leaders’ Council being inaugurated today with two (2) years tenure will work closely with the present administration in the State in the actualization of various policies and programmes embarked upon by the administration towards assisting the citizenries of the State at improving their economic status with the ultimate aim of taking Oyo State from poverty to prosperity.

“Let me also inform you that Government in realization of the need at providing the Council with a conducive Legal framework has commenced the process of fashioning out an enabling law in concert with the critical stakeholders.

“Permit me at this juncture to acknowledge the doggedness of the immediate past leadership of the State Market Leaders’ Council for the foundation they have laid in making the Council to continue to be relevant in the scheme of things in governance.

“The inauguration of the State Market Leaders’ Council is no doubt timely and apt taking into cognizance the followership and strength of all Trade/ Market Associations at deepening their capacity for the socio-political development of Oyo State.”

Earlier in his brief remark, the Commissioner for Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Oyedele Oyesola, explained that the registered traders and artisans will ensure that a conducive platform is provided for the smooth operation of the Council towards the actualization of the purpose of its creation.

According to him, some of the functions expected to be performed by the Council include fostering peace and harmony amongst the various groups in all markets within the State; collaborating with the Ministry in creating and maintaining a database of all members of the various trade groups and associations in the State and encourage all members of the various trade groups and associations in the State to register with the Ministry from time to time.

The inaugurated members are also expected to develop and promote the welfare of traders in all the markets in the State and perform such other functions as may be required from time to time.

The 12 members inaugurated were: Alhaja Amudalat Iyadunni Lawal; Chief (Mrs) Patience Labake Lawal; Alhaji Dauda Abiodun Oladepo; Alhaji Sunmaila Aderemi Jimoh; Chief (Mrs) Stella Olabode; Alhaji Yisau Kolayode Hamzat; Alhaja Afusat Adebiyi; Chief (Mrs) Odunayo Danjuma; Alhaji Najimdeen Azeez Amole; Alhaji Qamardeen Salaudeen; Alhaji Jubril Malik Adebayo; Chief (Mrs.) J.T. Raimi and the Secretary to the Council, Mr F.O Omokemi.

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