The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate for Okitipupa Constituency 1 in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Comr. Olawande Temidayo Ajayi, has called for special economic status and attention for Igbotako Market, describing it as a major commodity trading hub whose influence extends beyond Ondo State.
Ajayi said the market, which holds its major trading activities once every nine days, attracts farmers, traders and artisans from neighbouring states and distant communities, making it far more significant than an ordinary local market.
He noted that Igbotako has become an important price discovery centre, particularly for commodities such as palm oil, Garri and Pupuru with prices negotiated there often influencing prices in other markets across the country.
“Igbotako Market is not just a local market. Once every 9 days, it becomes a major economic meeting point where farmers, traders and artisans from different states converge. The prices of commodities such as palm oil are determined there and the effect is felt far beyond Okitipupa Local Government,” Ajayi said.
He said the strategic importance of the market justified deliberate government investment in access roads, drainage, electricity, water, sanitation, security, storage facilities, waste management and proper traffic arrangements on market days.
The APM candidate also called for commodity aggregation and storage facilities to strengthen the agricultural value chain and reduce losses for farmers, while urging government to work with market associations and private investors to develop the market into a modern regional commodity hub.
Ajayi said that if elected, he would champion initiatives to secure greater government recognition and investment for Igbotako Market.
“Igbotako has already earned its economic importance through the activities of our people. What it needs now is for government to recognise that importance and give it the infrastructure and attention it deserves,” he said.
