Following an all-inclusive consultations embarked upon by the Plateau State government for the rebuilding of the Jos Main Market, stakeholders in Jos North Local Government Area have given their consent to the project.
The stakeholders gave their consent to the project in a press conference held in Jos.
Mr. Bitrus Pada of Anaguta community who read the resolution on behalf of the other communities said, ‘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 agreed 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.”
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 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 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.
The people further insist that if the agitation against the rebuilding of the market continues, “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.”
Freelance Reporters 