The Delta State Government has inaugurated the newly completed Ozoro Ultra-Modern Market, Isoko North Local Government Area, in a move expected to boost commercial activities and provide traders with a more conducive environment for business.
The well attended ceremony was hosted by the Executive Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Council, Prince Godwin Ogorugba.
The market is designed to provide traders and residents with a more modern, organised and conducive environment for commercial activities. Its inauguration is expected to further strengthen economic activities in Ozoro and contribute to the socio-economic development of Isoko North Local Government Area.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, expressed the commitment of his administration to providing facilities that support economic activities.
The Governor, represented by the State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, noted with delight that the facility would not only boost economic activities but also create jobs, stimulate innovation, improve internally generated revenue and enhance the overall well-being of our citizens.
Continuing, Oborevwori said, “I urge the traders, buyers and entrepreneurs who will utilize this facility to take full advantage of the opportunities it presents.
“I also encourage all stakeholders to ensure the proper maintenance of this market so that it remains functional, attractive and beneficial to present and future generations.
In his welcome speech, the Executive Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Council, Prince Godwin Ogorugba.expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and its continued support for projects aimed at improving the living conditions and economic prospects of the people.
The council chairman described the commissioning as more than the opening of a physical structure, noting that the facility represents an investment in the economic future of the people of Ozoro and Isoko North adding that a modern market provides more than trading spaces, as it creates an organised environment where traders can conduct their businesses with greater dignity, convenience and confidence.
Ogorugba said the project would also provide an avenue for local businesses to expand, attract more customers and contribute more meaningfully to the local economy. He commended the state government for recognising the importance of infrastructure in driving grassroots development, stressing that sustainable development could only be achieved when government policies and projects directly respond to the needs of the people.
The chairman said: “Today is a very important day for the people of Ozoro and the entire Isoko North Local Government Area. We are not merely commissioning a market; we are opening a new chapter in our collective effort to promote economic development, improve livelihoods and create a better environment for our people to do business. This facility is a demonstration of what can be achieved when government remains focused on projects that have direct and lasting impact on the people. A market is not simply a place where people buy and sell goods. It is a centre of economic activity, a source of livelihood for families and an important part of the development of any growing community.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Isoko North, I sincerely appreciate His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, for his commitment to infrastructure development and his administration’s determination to ensure that development reaches our communities. Although His Excellency could not personally be here today, we are honoured by the presence of his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, who has come to represent him and the Delta State Government. We sincerely appreciate this gesture and the continued partnership between the state government and the local government.
“Our administration believes that development must be people-oriented. We must continue to support initiatives that improve the economic wellbeing of our traders, provide opportunities for our youths, empower families and make our communities more attractive for legitimate business activities. I therefore appeal to our traders and other users of this facility to take ownership of it. Let us protect the infrastructure, maintain cleanliness and ensure that the market remains a safe, orderly and conducive environment for everyone.
“The commissioning of this market is also a call for us to do more. We cannot afford to rest on this achievement. As a council administration, we will continue to work within the resources available to us and collaborate with the state government and other relevant stakeholders to pursue initiatives that will positively affect the lives of our people. Our message to the people of Isoko North is clear: we remain committed to grassroots development. We will continue to support programmes and projects that promote economic empowerment, improve infrastructure and create an environment where our people can prosper.
“I once again thank His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, for his support and vision, and I appreciate the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, for representing His Excellency at this important occasion. To the people of Ozoro and Isoko North, this is your facility. Let us protect it, use it responsibly and ensure that it serves the purpose for which it was established. Together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous and economically vibrant Isoko North.”
The chairman also called on traders and residents to take ownership of the facility by maintaining proper sanitation, protecting the infrastructure and ensuring that the market remains orderly and conducive for business. The commissioning further highlights the shared commitment of the Oborevwori administration and the Ogorugba-led council administration to grassroots development, economic empowerment and the provision of infrastructure capable of improving the quality of life of residents.
The facilities in the market include 28 lock-up shops, 192 open shops, 8 packing stores (upstairs), 1 warehouse, 1 cold room, 4 administrative offices, 1 market hall, 2 security posts, male and female toilet facilities, central water scheme, and external interlocking and horticulture.
With the commissioning of the ultra-modern market, stakeholders expressed optimism that the facility would enhance commercial activities, provide improved opportunities for traders and further position Ozoro as an important commercial hub within Isoko North and Delta State.
