ELS-7-
Market
By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, June 13, 2017(NAN) Oba Abdulganiy Adekunle of Iseyin, Oyo State, had said that Oyo State Government’s plan to establish an international “Aso-Ofi’’ market in Iseyin would boost industrial, economic and social lives of the town and its surroundings.
The traditional ruler who said this while addressing newsmen in his palace described the plan as a great one.
Adekunle said that the plan when materialized would transform the entire Oke-Ogun region of the state into an enviable commercial melting pot.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State had stated that the market would be established to promote and showcase `Aso-Ofi’ to the rest of the world.
He said that the market would also boost the sales of aluminum pots produced in Saki, earthen wares at Okeho and local soap at Ipapo areas of Oke-Ogun.
NAN also reports that “Aso-Ofi’’ is a traditionally-hand -woven fabric from locally made cotton strings by Yoruba people using their looms.
Adekunle said that with the international market functioning , “Aso-Ofi’’ would soon become another foreign exchange earning commodity for the state and complement the agricultural produce following the actions being taken by the state government.
“An Aso-Ofi market of such status will also boost the sales of other farm produce, tourism and hospitality business in the area,’’ he said.
The monarch lauded the state government’s decision to establish the market.
According to him, “The people of Iseyin are very happy that our governor has heeded our call to establish an international “Aso-Ofi’’ market in our community.
“If you remember, it was the major demand we put before the government during the last World Tourism Day which was used to celebrate Aso-Ofi in Iseyin.
“Our people are still reveling in the joy of celebrating our world renowned brand `Aso-Ofi’ on that day.
“The “Aso-Ofi’’ international market when in full stream will also boost the sales of the product by our people with good return,’’ he said.
The monarch said that the present administration could not have come with the idea of establishing an international market for “Aso-Ofi’’ than now when it was opening all frontiers to industrialise the state.
He urged the state government to give the necessary support and assistance to the market to enhance its sustainability as a legacy bequeathed to the people of Iseyin.
Also, Alhaji Adewuyi Kazeem, the Chairman, Aso-Ofi Weavers and Marketers; Association, commended the state government for turning “Aso-Ofi’’ to a foreign exchange commodity and citing its international market in Iseyin.
“I believe those youths who have taken the riding of commercial motorcycle business as the only means of meeting their financial needs will have a rethink.
“I am optimistic that the presence of the market will boost the sales of “Aso-Ofi’’ and agricultural produce for the benefits of the people of the state,’’ he said. (NAN)
TAA/PAD
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Edited by Peter Dada