By: Tope OYEKAN

As part of activities marking the 100 Days in Office of the Hon. Olusegun OGUNLEYE-led administration in Ikenne Local Government, and in an attempt at boosting trade and commerce within the locality, the Idotun Market, was on Wednesday flagged-off  to the  admiration of traders.

The Executive Chairman, Ikenne Local Government, Hon. Olusegun OGUNLEYE,  flagged-off commencement of trading activities, as he also commissioned a block of 20 open stalls at the market.

He was very glad that the  market becomes operational, recalling how the Oludotun of Idotun, His Royal Highness, Oba Odunayo SOLARIN requested during his visit to the palace, the continuation of the project, initiated by the immediate-past Transition Committee, led by Hon.Rotimi AKINSANYA.

He acknowledged the efforts made by his predecessor in this regard, and prayed for the growth and expansion of the market.

The council boss pronounced that the market shall be traded every five days, on the same day with Ijesha-Ijebu, a day to  Ikenne market.

Speaking at the event, the Oludotun of Idotun, Oba Odunayo SOLARIN, said he is very happy that this is happening during his reign, narrating how as a young man, he fetched and provided water to the site, on the day the land was allocated for the proposed market development.

He thanked the Chairman, Hon. OGUNLEYE, for acceding to his request on the market development, and he also commended Hon. Rotimi AKINSANYA, former Chairman of the local government Transition Committee for initiating the project.

The monarch appreciated the Hausa traders who came from the old Tollgate at Ogere, assuring them of a peaceful and mutual coexistence with their host community.

He further announced the appointment of Chief (Mrs.) Bolanle SOYEBO, as the Iyaloja of Idotun

In a goodwill message, President, Ikenne Development Association, Otunba Adedoyin ADESINA, was optimistic that the market will in no time develop rapidly, tapping from the advantage of its proximity to the Sagamu/Benin expressway.

Other speakers who spoke at the event, all lauded the idea of birthing a market at such a strategic location.

These include the Vice President of the Perishable Items Sellers Association, Mallam Sanni ESKURE; Babaloja of Ikenne, Chief Taiwo ADEBARI; the Secretary, Remo Traders Association, Mrs. Oyinda OGUNLESI; and the Eze Udo of Ikenne Local Government, High Chief NWORU.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Secretary of the Market Development Committee, Dr. Olusesan SODUNKE, gave a background information on the market, and also thanked all those who brought the vision to reality.

Present at the event were royal fathers, the Olofin of Ilisan, Oba Michael SONUGA; Aminisan of Oko, Oba Mufutau SANNI; Alariye of Ariye Oba Solomon Adekunle OYENUGA; and Oniraye of Iraye, Oba Mosudi OWODIYAN.

Also in attendance were the Vice Chairman, Ikenne Local Government, Hon. Abolanle FAKOYA; Leader of the House, Hon. Oladele OTESANYA, and members of the legislative council; management team led by the Head of Local Government Administration, Engr. Olanike OGUNBONA, FNSE; Presbyter, Methodist Church, Ikenne, Very Rev. Emmanuel OLUSOLA; and the Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Ikenne Local Government, Hon. Jamiu ASIMI.