From all indications, the Ogunpa market reconstruction project embarked upon by Oyo State Government will have all the trappings of a modern market. Construction work has begun in earnest in the market, which has been designed with provision made for various essential amenities that were lacking in the demolished market Shop owners had expressed skepticism with the planned demolition exercise which the state government said was aimed at modernizing the market.
Commercial drivers who plied the market route for passengers also expressed misgiving, claiming the move could disrupt their business and jeopardize their means of livelihood.
However, in a move aimed at reassuring the traders about the sincerity of its intention, Oyo State Government has adopted a corporate social responsibility approach by partnering with the private developers to ensure all workers on the site are made-up of the various stakeholders.
This step seems to have eased tension over the development as shop owners were now cooperating with the state government.
While the reconstruction of Ogunpa market is in progress, Traders have come together to rebuild the razed Dugbe market.
About thirteen shops affected in the fire incident that gulped property worth millions of naira at Dugbe market is now being renovated by the affected victims. When Radio Nigeria visited the scene the traders were seen packing all the debris from their shops while one of them Mr. Razaq Bello had started re-erecting the collapsed wall of his shop. Mr. Bello said he did not have money to roof the shop, but hoped that Government and well-meaning Nigerians would come to his aid. Meanwhile, the Iyaloja of Ibadanland, Mrs. Labake Lawal visited the scene of the incident to sympathize with the victims over the loss.
Mrs Lawal urged the traders to compile a list of their names and lost items and forward them to appropriate quarters for assistance.
Mrs. Lawal however, cautioned the tradersto avoid activities that could trigger a fire incident in the future.