Oyo Government Approves Hamzat As Market Leaders’ Council Representative

The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, has approved the appointment of Alhaji Yisau Kolayode Hamzat as Asoju Apapo Egbe Oloja (Market Leaders’ Council Representative) for an initial period of six months, as part of efforts to strengthen coordination, representation and effective engagement among market leaders and traders across the state.

The approval, conveyed in an official letter dated October 29, 2026, and signed by the Honourable Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, followed a formal request submitted to the Ministry by the four principal leaders of the Market Leaders’ Council.

Professor Adelabu stated that the appointment was approved to strengthen cooperation and promote the interests of market leaders and traders in Oyo State. He directed Alhaji Hamzat to work under the leadership of the four principal market leaders, comprising Alhaji (Chief) Yekini Abass Oladapo, Babaloja-General of Oyo State; Alhaji (Chief) Sunmaila Aderemi Jimoh, Aare Oloja of Oyo State; Princess Folashade Abeo Azeezat Nurudeen, Iyaloja-General of Oyo State; and Chief (Mrs) J.T. Raimi, Asiwaju Oloja of Oyo State.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Olajide Mamud Okesade, reaffirmed the importance of effective administrative coordination and constructive engagement between the government and organised market leadership in promoting an orderly and supportive business environment. He noted that a clearly defined representation structure would facilitate communication, strengthen stakeholder engagement and support the Ministry’s efforts to address issues affecting traders and commercial activities across the state.

Alhaji Hamzat, who is the President of the Tradesmen and Artisans Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, expressed his appreciation to the Oyo State Government, particularly Governor Seyi Makinde and the Honourable Commissioner, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, for the confidence reposed in him through the appointment. He pledged to be proactive, dedicated and committed to discharging his responsibilities, assuring that he would work harmoniously with the four principal market leaders to strengthen communication, promote unity, protect the collective interests of traders and facilitate constructive engagement with the government. He also promised to bring his experience as President of the Tradesmen and Artisans Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, to bear on the assignment, with a determination to contribute meaningfully to the growth of trade and commerce across the state.

Alhaji Hamzat pledged to bring his experience in organised trade and artisan representation to the new assignment adding that his appointment will provide an avenue for closer engagement between the Market Leaders’ Council, the wider trading community and the government on matters relating to market administration, traders’ welfare and the development of commerce in Oyo State.

The four principal market leaders who initiated the request expressed their support for the appointment through their joint correspondence to the Ministry. They are Alhaji (Chief) Yekini Abass Oladapo, Babaloja-General of Oyo State; Alhaji (Chief) Sunmaila Aderemi Jimoh, Aare Oloja of Oyo State; Princess Folashade Abeo Azeezat Nurudeen, Iyaloja-General of Oyo State; and Chief (Mrs) J.T. Raimi, Asiwaju Oloja of Oyo State. In their request, they highlighted the need for effective representation, improved communication and stronger coordination between the council and the relevant authorities to advance the collective interests of market leaders and traders.

The approval reflects the Oyo State Government’s recognition of the importance of engaging organised stakeholder groups in promoting peaceful coexistence, effective market coordination and sustainable commercial development. It also reinforces the Ministry’s role in facilitating constructive dialogue between government and the trading community.

The appointment is valid for an initial period of six months, during which Alhaji Hamzat is to operate under the leadership of the four principal market leaders and in accordance with the Ministry’s directives