Stakeholders of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State have okayed the plan by Governor Simon Lalong for the rebuilding of the burnt Jos Main Market by Jaiz Bank.
The various stakeholders made their submission today, Wednesday 17th, 2022 during a town hall meeting convened by representatives of various ethnic groups, as directed by Governor Simon Lalong, held at Lamond hall, Jos.
The town hall meeting had in attendance the representatives of various ethnic groups, counselors, traditional rulers, ethnic associations, community leaders and leaders of youth groups in Jos north, as they all okayed the rebuilding of the market by Jaiz bank.
The Stakeholders of Jos North expressed sadness over the needless controversies surrounding the rebuilding of the iconic edifice as it commended the Governor Simon Lalong led administration for laboriously making efforts to actualize and concretize efforts in securing favourable investors in the state
They went on to caution some ‘uninformed persons’ and ‘enemies of the State’ who have taken advantage to score political points by casting aspersions on the noble intention of the government citing irrelevant, myopic and mundane ideas that are divisive.
Their submission and resolve stated as follows;
- That we the People of Jos North are wholly and fully in support of the laudable move and effort of the administration to rebuild the Jos Main Market as this is the desire and collective aspiration of our people.
- We agree that the State Government’s efforts should be intensified towards rebuilding the market as the Market serves a symbol of Unity, a source of integration and a place for synergy for meaningful development. Rebuilding the market will further enhance and solidify the efforts towards enhancing trust, peace, unity and reintegration of our people.
- We agree that rebuilding the market will further restore the lost beauty of the city centre thereby enhancing its tourism potentials. It will also boost the business environment for which Jos is known for.
- We the people of Jos North LGA see the market as a symbol of our sacrifice, heritage and material culture for the advancement of prosperity for our people and the State at large.
- We are pained by the callous and grave disregard for our monumental contribution to the growth of the economy of the State by insensitive remarks suggesting that the market should not be rebuilt or that it should only be rebuilt at a different location other than Jos North. We totally and unequivocally reject and condemn such calls.
- We agree that rebuilding the market will bring sanity, discipline and organization to the environment thereby decreasing the incidence of health hazards and health insecurity in and around the city environs.
- We strongly encourage the rebuilding of this edifice as we believe that it will reduce the rate of crime and criminality in the derelict structure. It will also avail employment opportunities for the vast citizens. Over 75% of the people of Jos North LGA rely on commerce as their means of livelihood, survival and progress. Unlike most communities who rely on farming, we in Jos North have no farmlands due to the rapid urbanization and development that has come about over time. Government agencies and projects have been cited on all lands belonging to us. Hence, commerce is the major economic activity critical to our survival.
- We further resolve that if the agitation against the rebuilding of the market continues, the agitators should be reminded that the property on which the market was built belongs to the people of Jos North LGA. Therefore, we shall appeal to His Excellency to consider restoring the land to its rightful owners (the people of Jos North LGA). We shall immediately embark on rebuilding the market by every means available to us.
- The Stakeholders therefore call on the Governor to carry on the rebuilding project. He should remain focused and deflect any distractions from his political traducers.
- We understand all issues surrounding the Memorandum of Understanding between the State Government and the potential Investors, the terms of the MOU has been clearly and expressly explained to us sufficiently, and we are in the full understanding of and we are abreast of the issues. We understand also that this will bring about the rapid recovery of the economy of the State.
- We reiterate our support for the rebuilding of the Market at its present location and we urge His Excellency to give special attention to parking lots when rebuilding the market to ensure seamless traffic.
They further insisted that attention should also be given to the provision of intense security in and around the market after completion. A state-of-the-art Fire Services Department should be provided for.
- In this regard, We have constituted a powerful committee to mobilize and urge our people in Jos North LGA to part of the process in the rebuilding project of the market. They are encouraged to apply and own shops in the Market. This committee has been given three months to carry out this mandate.
- We further urge that the Executive Chairman of Jos North L GC, Hon. Shehu Bala Usman to inaugurate this committee within one week.
- We urge the Government to guarantee loans and access to working capital for the people of Jos North LGA who are the primary beneficiaries of the market.
- We wish to acknowledge and immensely thank the Honourable Members of the Plateau State House of Assembly representing Jos North-North (Hon. Ibrahim Baba Hassan) and Jos North West (Hon. Esther Dusu) respectively for honouring the aspirations and yearnings of their constituents by consulting them on this critical issue of immense importance. This is a true stewardship to their constituents.
Those who signed the resolution, included Elder Bitrus Pada, leader of Anaguta Community and assisted by Engr. Steven Nyam, leader of Afizere community, Mr Adamu Choji Bulus, leader of Berom community, Alh Shehu Ibrahim Masalla, leader of Hausa community, Hon Nathaniel Dare, leader of Yoruba Community, Mr Igwe samuel Achi. leader of Igbo Community, Engr. Samson Ben Iruobe, Leader of South South community, Hon Wanbe Ezekiel, irigwe Community, Hon Joseph Gotip South Central Zone.
