Representatives of the Sandgrouse Market in Lagos Island East Local Government, the Lagos State Government and DHB Construction Limited, developers of the market, on Friday signed an agreement to commence the redevelopment of the market.
In a brief ceremony held at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, Principal Private Secretary to Governor Ambode, Mr. Abiodun Bamgboye, who spoke on behalf of the state government, said the purpose of convening the meeting was to ensure that all stakeholders in the market are carried along in the plan to redevelop the market.
“Today is somewhat symbolic in the history of the state and it also goes to show some of the concerns of government especially in ensuring that things are done with the consent of all stakeholders.
“The information that we have on hand, on the part of stakeholders is that Sandgrouse Market men and women in agreement with the Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area as well as DHB Construction Limited would want the place redeveloped to really meet the modern needs of the market”, he said.
“So, the intent of our gathering is to ensure that this assignment is done and then for all to see the agreement and for all stakeholders to put their hands on paper to agree for the redevelopment to take place.
“We are thinking for the future that is better than the present that is why we want the place to be redeveloped”, Bamgboye said.
Iyaloja of the market, Alhaja Abibatu Kenku, who responded on behalf of the traders said consultations on the project has been on for a while. She explained that a consensus to rebuild the market was reached after a meeting with the Iyaloja General of Lagos, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo.
According to her, all stakeholders and traders in the market were duly consulted and there was a unanimous agreement that the market be redeveloped.
“The Local Government was also involved and that is why we were able to reach the stage of signing the agreement,” she said.
Also speaking, Chairman of DHB Construction Limited, Mr. Hakeem Alobo Bakare, said with the recent agreement, the traders will be relocated to a temporary site next week, where they can continue to trade to allow the total redevelopment of the market to commence in earnest.
“They are all aware of this, infact there are more than willing for us to commence the development”.
“I want to appreciate the leaders of the market, especially the Iyaloja of the market and every other stakeholder; they have been very wonderful and supportive,” he said.
Bakare also commended Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s role in ensuring that the stakeholders agreed to give the market a modern outlook.
“This very project will enhance the government of the day, it is going to be a testimony to what is going to happen in the nearest future in Lagos state and the present administration in particular,” he said.
