Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, on Tuesday, commissioned the newly reconstructed Modibbo Adama Modern Market in Yola, describing the project as a lasting solution to decades of fire disasters, poor sanitation, and disorder that plagued the old market.

Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, on Tuesday, commissioned the newly reconstructed Modibbo Adama Modern Market in Yola, describing the project as a lasting solution to decades of fire disasters, poor sanitation, and disorder that plagued the old market.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Governor Fintiri said the new market replaces the old Yola Market, which had become notorious for recurring fire outbreaks, poor sanitary conditions and chaotic trading activities that resulted in huge losses for traders over the years.

He said rather than attributing the repeated disasters to myths and superstitions, his administration chose to address the underlying problems by constructing a modern market that guarantees safety, convenience and a conducive environment for commercial activities.

According to the governor, the project reflects his administration’s commitment to identifying challenges and providing sustainable solutions that improve the lives and livelihoods of citizens.

Recalling his visit to the site after one of the devastating fire incidents, Fintiri said his administration fulfilled its promise to rebuild the market into a befitting commercial centre for traders.

He noted that the project was executed entirely by indigenous contractors from Adamawa State, describing it as proof that local contractors can deliver quality projects when given the opportunity and proper supervision.

Governor Fintiri disclosed that the new market comprises 936 shops, including 816 lock-up shops and 120 open shops, as well as wider access roads to facilitate emergency response. The market also features a fire service station, a comprehensive water reticulation system with overhead tanks, and strategically located fire hydrants to prevent future fire outbreaks.

Other facilities provided at the market include a strengthened perimeter fence, desilted drainage systems, modern toilet and sanitation facilities, and an administrative block for the effective management of the market.

The governor further revealed that while the traders’ union initially submitted a list of 307 affected traders, the government increased the allocation to 350 beneficiaries to accommodate omissions and ensure fairness in the distribution of shops.

He urged traders to take ownership of the facility by maintaining cleanliness and protecting public infrastructure, while directing the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industries to engage competent facility managers to oversee security, sanitation and the day-to-day management of the market.

Governor Fintiri also announced that the reconstructed market would henceforth be known as the Modibbo Adama Modern Market, Yola (MAMMY), in honour of the founder of the Adamawa Emirate.

He formally declared the market open for business, expressing confidence that it would enhance commercial activities, improve the business environment and contribute to the economic growth of the state.