Oyo State Government has awarded contracts worth N3.5 billion for the comprehensive upgrade and remodelling of three major rural markets in the state.

The project, driven by the Oyo State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (OY-RAAMP), will cover Aare-Alasa Market in Ona-Ara LGA, Oja-Agbe Market in Iseyin LGA, and Oja-Oba Market in Ibarapa Central LGA.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, confirmed the contracts in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in Ibadan on Sunday.

“Our goal is to transform rural markets into modern, functional hubs that will drive agricultural productivity and improve access to markets across the state,” Olaleye stated.

According to OY-RAAMP Coordinator, Adeola Ekundayo, the N3.5 billion will be split among the markets as follows:

Aare-Alasa Market: N1.22 billion

Oja-Agbe Market: N1.22 billion

Oja-Oba Market: N1.04 billion

Ekundayo emphasized the significance of the Agro-Logistics component of RAAMP, saying it is “strategically designed to enhance rural market infrastructure, ensure better linkage to rural roads, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve the accessibility of farm produce.”

She also named the contractors handling the projects: Quicbond Nigeria Ltd (Aare-Alasa), Lee Fakino Nigeria Ltd (Oja-Agbe), and AB-Bond Habitat Ltd (Oja-Oba).

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Abosede Owoeye, described the signing as “a significant milestone” in the state’s efforts to achieve food security and economic empowerment in rural communities.

Contractors were urged to work closely with host communities to ensure sustainability and local support throughout the execution of the projects.