Mr Samuel Ajose, All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Lagos State, on Monday handed over an ultra-modern Agbalata Market building to Badagry Local Government.
Ajose, founder of the SMA Movement, presented the facility to the council chairman, Mr Babatunde Hunpe, during a ceremony attended by traders and community leaders.
Speaking with journalists, Ajose said market traders had appealed to him to provide shelter from harsh weather conditions.
According to him, the traders suffered exposure to rain and scorching sunshine while conducting their daily business activities.
He said a tour of the market revealed the urgent need for a befitting structure to accommodate market officials and traders.
“The market men and women appealed to me to erect a roof for them to save them from rain and the scorching sun.
“When I went round the market, I discovered that what they needed was a good building to house market officials and other marketers,” he said.
Ajose described Agbalata as an ancient market that had contributed significantly to the educational advancement of many indigenes.
“Being an ancient market, whose proceeds sponsored many of us through higher institutions, I decided to give back to the community.
“I decided to build a new modern structure to enable marketers and officers to have a place to shelter during rainfall,” he said.
Ajose said his developmental interventions had helped transform Agbalata Market and improve its standing beyond the local community.
According to him, the market is the second oldest in Lagos State and remains a vital commercial hub for Badagry.
He added that the market had contributed immensely to the socio-economic growth and identity of the area.
Ajose urged traders and market officials to utilise the facility responsibly and ensure proper maintenance.
Receiving the building, Hunpe commended Ajose for his commitment to community development and public service.
He said Ajose had consistently demonstrated that leadership was about service, sacrifice and positive impact on society.
“Ajose has consistently shown that true leadership extends beyond political ambition and personal success.
“His numerous interventions and humanitarian efforts have touched lives, empowered communities and contributed meaningfully to our development,” he said.
Hunpe described the new market office as another testament to Ajose’s passion for Badagry and its people.
“This newly constructed Agbalata Market Office stands as another testament to his passion for service and his love for Badagry.
“Without any doubt, Ajose has written the name of Badagry in gold through his selfless contributions and developmental initiatives,” he said.
According to Hunpe, Ajose’s efforts had elevated the profile of the council area and strengthened Badagry’s relevance in Lagos politics.
“His actions have reinforced the belief that Badagry remains a strategic constituency whose development must never be overlooked,” he said
Hunpe said the facility would improve administrative efficiency and enhance the smooth operation of one of the council’s most important markets.
He assured stakeholders that the building would be used for the purpose for which it was constructed.
“I wish to assure Dr Ajose, the SMA Foundation and all stakeholders that this facility will be put to good use.
“As an administration, we will ensure the offices are allocated to relevant stakeholders whose activities promote peace, harmony and effective coordination.
“We shall ensure that the purpose for which this facility was built is fully realised for the benefit of traders and the entire community,” he said.
Also speaking, Chief Todowade Abel, the Baba-Oja of Ajara-Agamathen, thanked Ajose for upgrading the market office.
Abel described the project as a remarkable transformation that would benefit traders and future generations.
Newsextra24 reports that the highlight of the event was the naming of the building.
Hunpe named the facility the Prophet Abraham Ajose Building in honour of Ajose’s late father, recognising his legacy and contributions to society.
