Bago inaugurates new ultra-modern market with solar power, police station in Bida

Gov. Mohammed Umaru-Bago of Niger, has inaugurated an ultra-modern market reconstructed by Rep. Saidu Musa-Abdullahi, representing Bida/Gbako/Katcha Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

The market, which was renamed after the governor, was reconstructed by the federal lawmaker following the destruction of the former structure, known as Etsu Musa Market.

Newsmen report that the old Etsu Musa Market was completely destroyed by fire in 2018.

Inaugurating the facility, Umaru-Bago commended Musa-Abdullahi for the initiative, describing the project as laudable and one with far-reaching impact on the socio-economic development of the people.

He urged the beneficiaries of the shops to make judicious use of the facilities and advised that the management of the market be handed over to the Bida Local Government Authority for effective administration.

The governor promised that a similar market would be constructed in the Agaie Local Government Area.

In his remarks, Musa-Abdullahi said the remodelled market reflected his desire to expand economic opportunities and provide infrastructure that directly impacts the lives of the people.

He expressed confidence that the facility would erase the painful memory of the inferno and serve many generations.

Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of Niger Council of Traditional Rulers, expressed satisfaction with the facility, saying it had met global standards.

The monarch observed that the reconstructed market would further revive and boost the socio-economic status of Bida.

Newsmen report that the ultra-modern Bida market has 12 blocks with 264 lock-up shops, 80 open stalls, a banking hall, a police station, and a backup solar mini-grid, among other amenities.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to newsmen expressed delight over the project.

They observed that the facility would attract more people from within and outside the state, thereby boosting business activities in Bida and Niger in general.