Fintiri Commissions Modern Market in Yola, Renames Facility After Modibbo Adama

Fintiri Commissions Modern Market in Yola, Renames Facility After Modibbo Adama

Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has officially inaugurated the newly rebuilt Modibbo Adama Modern Market in Yola, describing the project as a major milestone in addressing the long-standing challenges that affected the former market.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, the governor said the reconstruction was prompted by years of devastating fire outbreaks, inadequate sanitation, and disorganized trading activities that characterized the old Yola Market and caused significant losses for traders.

Fintiri explained that his administration chose practical solutions over speculation by replacing the old structure with a modern commercial complex designed to provide a safer, cleaner, and more efficient trading environment.

According to him, the project reflects his government’s commitment to solving critical infrastructure problems while improving the welfare and economic opportunities of residents.

The governor recalled visiting the market after one of the major fire incidents and pledged to rebuild it into a modern business hub. He noted that the promise has now been fulfilled with the completion of the project.

He also praised the role of indigenous contractors in delivering the market, saying the project demonstrates the capacity of Adamawa-based firms to execute high-quality infrastructure when given the opportunity and proper supervision.

The newly commissioned market contains 936 shops, comprising 816 lock-up shops and 120 open stalls. It also features wider internal roads to improve accessibility and facilitate emergency response.

To enhance safety, the facility includes a dedicated fire service station, a modern water reticulation system with overhead tanks, and strategically positioned fire hydrants aimed at preventing future fire disasters.

Additional amenities include improved drainage networks, a reinforced perimeter fence, modern sanitation and toilet facilities, and an administrative block to support effective market operations.

Governor Fintiri disclosed that although the traders’ association initially submitted the names of 307 affected traders for shop allocation, the government expanded the number of beneficiaries to 350 to accommodate additional deserving traders and ensure a fair allocation process.

He urged beneficiaries to safeguard the new facility by maintaining cleanliness and protecting public property. He also directed the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industries to appoint competent facility managers to oversee security, sanitation, and the overall administration of the market.

As part of the ceremony, the governor announced that the market will officially bear the name Modibbo Adama Modern Market, Yola (MAMMY) in honour of Modibbo Adama, the founder of the Adamawa Emirate.

Declaring the market open for commercial activities, Fintiri expressed optimism that the new facility would strengthen trade, improve the business environment, and contribute significantly to the economic development of Adamawa State.