The Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government, Alhaji Ganiyu Egunjobi, on Monday, officially performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the MKO Abiola Market, a landmark project designed under a Public-Private Partnership with Urban Shelter and Truworth Ventures.
Reflecting on his administration’s journey since assuming office, Egunjobi recalled his vision to “Put Agege on the world map.” Though figurative, he expressed confidence that his administration would be remembered positively, having embarked on 60 development projects over the past eight years, many completed and others nearing completion as his tenure ends on July 28, 2025.
The chairman outlined numerous achievements across infrastructure, education, health, and social welfare, noting that Agege has seen transformative changes under his leadership.
He highlighted the construction and rehabilitation of multiple roads and drainages across the community, including Onibeju, Alowonle, Ajibose, Ajakaiye, and over 30 other streets now featuring improved access and modern amenities such as streetlights.
In the education sector, Egunjobi’s administration built and renovated classroom blocks at Dopemu, Oduduwa, and State Primary Schools, constructed an e-library, and consistently provided educational materials and shuttle buses for pupils.
On healthcare, he noted the establishment of primary health centres at Oluremi and Awori Streets, provision of three ambulances, and the reconstruction of facilities, including a nursing building and maternity creche.
He also cited the creation of a Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre, the first by any local government in Nigeria, and the construction of one of the country’s best legislative buildings.
Egunjobi detailed ongoing roadworks and the planned reinstallation of Oba Ogunji’s statue, previously displaced by the Pencinema Bridge construction.
He also mentioned salary increases for traditional rulers and support packages for the community.
Social welfare programmes under his watch included financial aid of ₦100,000 each to over 8,000 petty traders and artisans, employment of over 300 non-pensionable staff with monthly salaries, and consistent support for security and rehabilitated youths.
Speaking on the MKO Abiola Market project, the council boss described it as a future hub for trade, job creation, and economic growth, designed to uplift commerce in Agege and honour the legacy of Chief Moshood Abiola, a symbol of democracy and development.
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“This project is more than infrastructure; it’s about empowering our people with opportunities,” he said. “It will provide modern stalls for hundreds of traders, attract thousands of shoppers, and drive economic activity from construction through to full operation.”
He thanked the private sector partners for their commitment and called on residents to take ownership of the market once completed.
Egunjobi concluded by expressing gratitude to the people of Agege for electing him twice and urged them to vote wisely in the upcoming local government election, endorsing the APC chairmanship candidate, Alhaji Tunde Azeez (Disco), his running mate, Abdul Ganiyu Vinod Obasa, and all APC councillorship candidates across the seven wards.
He commended the stakeholders, civil servants, community leaders, and residents for their support, wishing that the new market project would usher in an era of economic excellence in Agege.