The residents of Kwara South district have described the commissioning of the newly completed modern market project in Oro, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara, as a catalyst for economic development.

Speaking at the event, the senator representing Kwara South district in the National Assembly, Architect Oyelola Ashiru, said that the project, among others, is part of the constituency projects funded by the federal government.

Senator Ashiru said that the project reflects continued commitment to economic empowerment, improved infrastructure and sustainable development across Kwara South.

"The project comprises 48 newly constructed shops, public toilet facilities to enhance safety, accessibility and the overall greater economic activity within the community," he said.

Beyond infrastructure, the lawmaker, who is the Senate Leader, said that "we have continued to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through various training and empowerment programmes aimed at supporting startups, strengthening existing businesses and improving livelihoods for religious groups, the vulnerable, out-of-school individuals, the artisans and the PWLD (People Living With Disabilities) in Kwara South."

He also listed road and infrastructure projects undertaken across the district to include construction of the 1.2km Owode Market-Onireke-Adeleke Road; Omolere-Ikolaba-Lanlu-Ajia-Popo Road; as well as construction of roads and flood-control infrastructure in Asalofa-Obatiwajoye; Tafa Joba Road; Afolabi-Adie Road; Bulala-Obada Road; Imam Batara Road; Abogunugun-Popo Road, Tijani Akande Road in Ijagbo, a portion of Ikotun/Offa Road 2.6km, Ojude Okeki/Rabah/Afin/Illaro Road in Omu-Aran, Ijagbo Bridge, Ikotun Bridge as well as construction of a bridge in Oke-Daba, Oro Ago District.

Senator Ashiru also said that he has been engaged in annual medical outreach, bringing healthcare to the doorsteps of the constituents in remote areas.

He said that he has facilitated construction of health centres in Epe-Opin, Kajola, Ilale, Durosoto, Offa and Oko, as well as supply of medical equipment and drugs to PHCs in each local government in the district.

The lawmaker said that efforts have also been made to promote access to sustainable and reliable energy across Kwara South, including targeted intervention for the traditional leaders.

"As part of this effort, 10.2KVA solar inverter systems, eight 12-volt tubular batteries and 20 solar panels have been installed at each of the following palaces: Olupo of Ajase Ipo Palace, Aloffa of Illofa Palace, Onira of Ira Palace, Oniganmo of Ganmo Palace, Owa L'obbo of Obbo-Ile Palace."

The senator said that he is committed to ensuring that all the seven local government areas in Kwara South benefit from meaningful development, adding that no local government area would be left behind.

Also speaking on behalf of the people, the Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Olaniyi Titiloye, thanked the donor of the lockup shops for the good gesture, saying that some politicians only announce projects that would never be actualised.

Oba Titiloye commended Ashiru's foresight in spreading dividends of democracy to parts of his constituency.

The traditional ruler also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making funds available for the actualisation of the projects with direct benefit to the people of the area.