By Oluwagbemiga “Toye”
Residents of Ado‑Ekiti have commended the Chairman of Ado Central Local Council Development Area, Engineer Toyin Ojo, for flagging off the construction of a modern market at New Garage, commissioning a long-awaited bridge at the Ekute–Alasia/Waterworks axis, executing channelisation works, and providing cash support to the elderly.
The projects, unveiled on Wednesday, drew wide praise from community leaders, market women, and political stakeholders, who described the projects as people-focused interventions that address commerce, mobility, safety, and social welfare.
Speaking at the events, Engineer Ojo reaffirmed that his administration’s priority is to positively impact the lives of residents. He said the proposed market would boost trade, improve urban order, and enhance the aesthetic outlook of the state capital.
According to him, the modern market—whose foundation was laid—will rank among the best in Nigeria, featuring ample parking space with automated payment systems, 24-hour electricity, restaurants, and three boreholes to guarantee steady water supply.
The wife of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Eyesorun Abosede Adejugbe, lauded the initiative as a catalyst for urban development, noting that the facility would surpass even Tejuosho Market in quality and organisation.
Also speaking, the Ado-Ekiti Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Hon Mike Akinleye, praised Ojo’s development strides and urged residents to reciprocate good governance by supporting Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the June 20, 2026 governorship election.
Chairman of Ado Local Government, Hon. Bosun Osaloni, appreciated the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti for releasing land for the market, explaining that the project is a collaborative effort of the four council chairmen in Ado-Ekiti. He commended Engineer Ojo’s transparency and leadership and prayed for speedy completion of the market.
The commissioning of the Oluwatuyi Ekute Quarter bridge linking Sije–Omisanjana attracted particular acclaim. Community leaders recalled that the project had stalled for about 18 years, causing gridlock and hardship. They expressed gratitude that the bridge was completed within three months, easing movement and improving safety.
Several dignitaries—including Hon. Toyin Adepoju; Senior Special Assistant (political) to the wife of Ekiti state Governor, Director-General, Bureau of Community Communications, Mrs Mary Osho Omotoso; commissioners for information, Local Government Affairs and Land; Hons Taiwo Olatunbosun , Folorunso Olabode and Oladapo Karunwi commended the chairman for the channelisation and bridge projects and other impactful projects of the chairman, noting their positive impact on mobility and public safety. They prayed for his continued political elevation.
The outgoing chairman of Oluwatuyi Quarters, Prince Tunde Agunbiade, said the community’s long quest for the bridge had finally been fulfilled, describing the intervention as timely despite prevailing economic challenges. He pledged the community’s unreserved support and asked that appreciation be conveyed to the governor.
Residents also applauded the administration’s social interventions as no fewer than 150 elderly persons received ₦10,000 each, alongside beverages and food items distributed to Muslims and Christians to break their fast.
Beneficiaries described the gesture as compassionate and timely, noting the steady increase in support over the years.
In his closing remarks, Engineer Ojo thanked God and the governor for the opportunity to serve, urged residents to take ownership of public facilities, and encouraged them to use their votes to appreciate effective leadership in the 2026 polls.
The day’s activities ended on a festive note, as residents turned out in jubilation, describing the engagements as exemplary and calling for further recognition of the chairman’s contributions.