The Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, has tasked the recently renamed Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya Modern Market, Ngalda, with driving the state’s post-insurgency economic recovery.
Speaking on Tuesday at the inauguration ceremony in Ngalda, Governor Buni said,
“I am pleased to welcome you to this occasion, the inauguration of the Ngalda Modern Market and concrete drainage project, which is part of our legacy projects in fulfillment of our promises to the good people of Ngalda and its environs.
It may interest you to note that work commenced on this project on 11th June 2024 with a completion period of 12 months. I am happy to share with you that the project was executed in 10 months. The market has 272 shops of different sizes, administrative blocks, a mosque, refuse dump, perimeter fence, pavement, drainage, boreholes, a fire service station, a police outpost, and a microfinance bank.
Similarly, a 2.98-kilometre drainage system has been constructed to channel rainwater into the river as a measure to address the perennial flooding experienced yearly in Ngalda town.”
He lauded the contractor for delivering the project in record time, saying, “I would like to appreciate the efforts of this indigenous contractor, Damuli Investment Company, for executing this project in strict compliance with the contractual agreement. You are all aware that the Ngalda weekly market is one of the thriving markets in the state that enjoys patronage from across the country, with a huge turnover that contributes to the state economy.”
Governor Buni urged proper maintenance of the facilities, stressing the need for the market to help the state realise its full potential.
“I am optimistic that the new modern market will further increase economic activities in this area, enhance job opportunities and income generation for the people, and promote our post-insurgency economic recovery programme.
“I enjoin the people to take ownership of the market, ensure its cleanliness for maximum benefit, and ensure proper utilisation of the facility so that government gets value for the money expended on the project.
“I also urge the market authorities to take all necessary measures to prevent leakages in revenue generation and ensure that all revenues accrue to government coffers,” he added.
While renaming the market, Buni said,
“It is my singular honour and privilege to name the new Ngalda Modern Market after His Excellency, a renowned entrepreneur, administrator, politician and gentleman governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, Dan Majen Gombe, Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum.
The market shall henceforth be known and addressed as Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya Modern Market. I am optimistic that this market, and indeed the business community therein, will be blessed with your rich experience in economic development.”
He also commended the cordial relationship between the sister states and acknowledged the support of the Federal Government.
“I want to extend the appreciation of the government and good people of Yobe State for the strong bond of unity between the people of Gombe and Yobe States, and to assure you that we will continue to promote this unity between our dear states.
I also extend our appreciation to the Federal Government under the able leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the leadership support that has enabled us to achieve our set targets. I urge you to pray for the peace and progress of our dear country, Nigeria.”
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, who officially commissioned the facility, expressed appreciation for the honour, describing it as a demonstration of unity and a testament to inter-state cooperation and regional development.
He commended Governor Buni for prioritising infrastructure that positively impacts ordinary citizens and pledged continued collaboration between Gombe and Yobe in trade, agriculture, and economic development.
The Yobe State Commissioner for Commerce, Kaigama Umar, also lauded the governor for modernising markets in the state.
He said, “A market is a form of social infrastructure through which socio-economic activities are gauged.”
