There was excitement on Friday as indigent women, petty traders, and market women gave a rousing welcome to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, during his visit to inspect ongoing construction of shops at Kugiya Market, Bukuru, in Jos South Local Government Area.
The women, in a display of appreciation, sang praises and lauded the Governor’s commitment to improving trading conditions by modernizing market infrastructure to create a more conducive business environment.
While inspecting the new shops and a designated site for additional construction, Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting traders and alleviating their challenges.
“This project is for the benefit of our people and the traders. We are not displacing anyone to bring in new traders. Existing traders will be given priority, so there is no need for panic. All we require is full cooperation. We cannot continue to operate in 20th-century structures in the 21st century.
“We are introducing modernization, organization, and order into our markets. This will not only enhance trading activities but also enable us to properly identify traders and facilitate access to credit facilities that will help them expand their businesses. This is a win-win situation for all of us, and I urge market leaders to sensitize their members on the need for cooperation and collaboration for the greater economic good of our state,” the Governor stated.
Governor Mutfwang, whose people-centered governance approach continues to resonate with the citizens, assured that his administration remains committed to policies that have a direct and positive impact on the lives of the people.
“Beyond what the Jos Metropolis Development Board (JMDB) is doing, we are restructuring market management in the state. The former Jos Marketing Authority will now be the Plateau Market Authority, which will oversee all markets across the state. Our goal is to ensure that people can access the market with ease, conduct their business conveniently, and return home without hassle.
“We have no other intention but to improve the living standards of our people. Once these shops are fully completed, everyone will appreciate our vision of rebuilding the state. This project is just a model, and we intend to replicate it across the Jos-Bukuru metropolis,” he added.
The General Manager of the Jos Metropolis Development Board (JMDB), Arc. Hart Bankat, who conducted the Governor around the market, revealed that over 200 shops are currently under construction to enhance ease of doing business in the area. He assured that priority would be given to traders displaced during the construction, as well as indigent persons, to help sustain their means of livelihood.
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