In an effort to revive grassroots economy activities, the Yobe State Government has initiated the construction of nine ultra-modern markets to enhance the self-reliance of people affected by prolonged Boko Haram conflicts as part of its post-insurgency initiatives.
Abdullahi Bego, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture in Yobe State, announced that Governor Mai Mala Buni had spent billions of naira for the construction of modern markets.
He spoke during media tours to Ngalda and Buni Yadi for inspection of projects as well as Machina Modern Market, ready for inauguration and the ongoing construction of about 25 km of Gashua-Masaba road, which links 14 communities, and other people-oriented projects in the state.
Bego and his counterpart, Ahmed Buba Kyari, Yobe State Commissioner of Housing, hosted journalists to showcase different projects spanned various sectors, including trade, investment, education, roads, drainage, health, agriculture, among others, executed by Governor Buni over the last seven years.
Briefing Journalists at one of the newly constructed Modern Markets in Kannama, the birthplace of the late former leader of the Boko Haram Sect, Mohammed Yusuf, the Information Commissioner said:” We are all aware of the devastating effect perpetrated by Boko Haram terrorists, which has affected means of livelihoods in the last 16 years.
“Fortunately, now that peace has returned, as you all know, Boko-Haram terrorists stand against markets and socio-economic activities. Our amiable governors are gradually reactivating modern markets.
“Governor Mai Mala Buni deem it fit to put a smile on the faces of our traumatised people by constructing five ultra-modern and four Modern Markets across devastated communities in the State.
“This initiative aims to restore hope for the common man and make people economically self-reliant during the post-insurgency period”.
“Five of the Ultra Modern Markets are located in Damaturu, Nguru, Potiskum and Gashua and fully completed, each consist of 505 shops of different sizes, inner structures of administrative block, mosque, refuse bank, Banking Hall, perimeter fence, electricity, boreholes, drainage and road.
“They are also equipped with Police Outpost, Administration Block, Banking Hall and Fire Service, while that in Gaidam is about to be completed.
“The other four newly constructed Modern Markets, each of which has 98 shops, 156 stalls and 48 warehouses/stores.
“They are also fully equipped with other facilities, such as Police Outposts, Fire Services, Administrative Blocks, and Banking Halls, which are located in Kannama/Yunusari, Machina, Ngalda, and Buni Yadi. Kyari.”
He noted that these gestures were in line with Governor Buni’s campaign promises to restore peace, revitalise the economy, alleviate poverty, and improve livelihoods.
Speaking on behalf of Yunusari beneficiaries, Community Leader, Baba Goni lauded Governor Buni for his transformative initiatives in revamping the economy, despite the destruction carried out by insurgents.
He pledged their unflinching support to the present administration, as well as taking ownership in maintaining and sustaining all projects executed for the betterment of mankind or humanity in their communities.
