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From Billy Graham Abel, Yola,
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, yesterday, commissioned the newly reconstructed Modibbo Adama Modern Market, Yola, declaring that the project represents his administration’s commitment to solving long-standing problems through practical and sustainable governance.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony in Yola Town, Governor Fintiri said the modern market replaced the old Yola Market, which had, for decades, been plagued by poor sanitation, congestion and recurring fire outbreaks that destroyed businesses and left many traders counting huge losses.
He said rather than allowing myths and superstitious explanations to overshadow practical solutions, his administration chose to permanently address the challenge by rebuilding the market into a modern commercial facility designed to guarantee safety, improve the business environment and restore the livelihoods of affected traders. “The Yola Market is one problem seen and one problem solved. We came here after the fire disaster, saw the pain, felt the loss and promised to rebuild the market. Today, we have matched our words with action,” the governor said.
He described the project as another fulfilled campaign promise, saying it reflects his administration’s philosophy of inclusive development where “no one is left behind and nothing is left untouched.”
He also commended indigenous contractors who executed the project, noting that the market was conceived, designed and completed entirely by Adamawa-based contractors under close government’s supervision.
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According to the governor, the modern market comprises 936 shops, including 816 lock-up shops and 120 open shops, alongside wider access roads to accommodate emergency vehicles, a dedicated fire service station, comprehensive water reticulation with overhead tanks and strategically located fire hydrants to prevent future fire disasters.
Other facilities include improved drainage systems, modern sanitation facilities, public conveniences, an administrative block for efficient management and a reinforced perimeter fence to enhance security.
He disclosed that although the traders’ union initially submitted a list of 307 eligible shop owners, the government increased the allocation to 350 shops to accommodate omissions and genuine cases that may have been overlooked.
To ensure proper maintenance of the facility, the governor directed 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.
He urged traders to take collective responsibility for maintaining the facility, stressing that preserving public infrastructure requires shared commitment and discipline.
In a symbolic move to honour the rich history of Yola, Governor Fintiri announced the renaming of the facility as the Modibbo Adama Modern Market, Yola (MAMMY).
“I formally commission and declare open the Modibbo Adama Modern Market, Yola, to the glory of Allah and the service of humanity,” he declared.
The commissioning marked another milestone in the Adamawa State Government’s urban renewal programme aimed at modernising public infrastructure, strengthening commercial activities and improving the ease of doing business across the state.
