The Federal Government, through the Office of Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, OSSAP-SDGs, recently delivered newly constructed and well equipped state-of-the-art fish kiln, 339 shops at the popular Oluwo fish market, and an ultra-modern Youth Centre in Epe, Lagos State.
The Youth Centre comprises a 960-capacity mini-Stadium, a football pitch, basketball and volleyball courts, administrative offices, changing rooms and other amenities.
The remodeled Oluwo fish market comprises 240 open stalls, 82 lock-up stalls, five open floors, 12 toilets, and four new offices for Iya Oloja and Baba Oloja, Tourism Board and Local Government Staff Security post.
The two projects, facilitated by the senator representing Lagos East, Sen. Tokunbo Abiru, were commissioned by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
While unveiling the landmark projects, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu said they were worthwhile and will have direct impact on the socio-economic development of Epe town, Lagos State, and Nigeria in general.
He noted that the market project was a commerce-oriented venture, designed to improve the livelihood and earning capacity of beneficiaries while the recreational facility will positively affect people’s lifestyle and translate to health benefits, as well as improved quality of life for members of the community.
The Governor, therefore, appealed to the beneficiaries to see the projects as public resources entrusted in their care, urging them to productively utilise the facilities with the utmost sense of responsibility.
”This is also what our great party, the APC, stands for, bringing a better life for all our people, regardless of their age, gender, religion, income or class. Our goal is to ensure that no one is left behind, as we spread development around Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu said.
In her remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, OSSAP-SDGs, Princess Orelope-Adefulire, noted that her Office had, in addition to the projects being commissioned, facilitated the rehabilitation of more than 10 schools and four healthcare projects in the Lagos East Senatorial District. These, she said,were crucial for social integration and inclusiveness.
On the remodelled Oluwo fish market and modern fish kiln constructed and equipped by her Office, Princess Orelope-Adefulire, also a former Deputy Governor of the State, said that the project was evidence of the fact that despite the colossal disruption to global economic development by COVID-19 pandemic, the Buhari Government had continued to make remarkable efforts at initiating and executing pro-poor and pro-development projects across the country.
She noted that the project was aimed at helping Nigerians cushion the dragging effects of the global pandemic as well as closing the implementation gap and fast-tracking the actualization of the Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Senator Abiru noted that he facilitated the projects in line with his mission to improve the lives of the people of Lagos East.
The Senator said in addition to the comprehensive rehabilitation of the Oluwo fish market, about 1,250 market women and traders would be empowered with the sum of N50,000 each as financial grants with N62.5 million to be spent on the empowerment initiative.
He added that the empowerment also included distribution of hand-planters to about 200 rural farmers, along with financial grants of N20,000 each.
A novelty football match was played on the pitch of the new stadium between Tokunbo Abiru Football Club and Epe Alaro United. The match ended in a penalty shootout which was won by the Abiru FC.
Other dignitaries who graced the well-attended commissioning included: Lagos State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Obafemi Hamzat, former Deputy Governor, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, GAC member, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, Alhaji Bode Oyedele, Alhaji Akanni Seriki Bamu, Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, serving commissioners, federal and state legislators among others.
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