The first phase reconstruction of the 400-year-old ancient Akesan market in Oyo Alaafin, which was consumed by fire on Sunday 5th January 2020, is nearing completion.
The inferno, which claimed all the shops and goods worth over N20billion, left traders and people of the ancient town of Oyo Alaafin in unforgettable agonies.
However, Senator Teslim Folarin of Oyo Central Senatorial District, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare and Hon. Adeyemi Akeem swiftly sought for humanitarian support from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for victims of Akesan Market Fire outbreak.
Oyo State Government took delivery of the facilitated FG’s building materials which included1000 bags of cement, 1000 bundles of roofing sheets, 200 packets of zinc nails and 100 bags of nails.
Millions of naira were also contributed by late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Senator Teslim Folarin (Oyo Central), Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), Minister Sunday Dare and other stakeholders towards the reconstruction of the burnt market.
An on-the-spot inspection by News Carrier NG correspondent reveals that new Akesan market is almost completed. The first phase has 352 lockup shops, a police post, 12 units of toilets, an administrative block and good road network.
Governor Seyi Makinde while flagging-off the reconstruction of razed Akesan market five months ago said that the project would cost N781, 761, 820. 15k and the stores will be allocated to the original owners.
According to Engr. Makinde, the first phase of reconstruction would take six months and the second phase will take two months to be completed.
In his remarks during the flag-off, the Caretaker Chairman, Oyo East local government, Prince Arowasaye Adeyemi assured that fire resistant materials that would be used in its construction. Also, fire pump and water hoses are connected in all the buildings with a dedicated underground fire hydrant tank.
He further stated that the reconstruction took high priority on the safety and protection of properties, an indication of the uttermost importance Governor Makinde has placed on the project.
