Shabu the cradle of history is no doubt considered by both visitors and the citizens of Nasarawa State as the gateway to Lafia the State Capital.
In other words Shabu town is equally nicknamed as the face of Lafia the seat of government.
This is a statement of fact as it is strategically located along the federal highway that leads to the Eastern part of the country.
It is in realisation of this that the past and present governments are giving Shabu due consideration on the issues of development.
This deliberate efforts has made Shabu to be a place to be owing to it rapid transformation from semi urban to an urban centre.
As a result of this development that the town is witnessing a population explosion due to influx of people from all walks of life thereby overstretched the available Public facilities in the town.
One of such facilities is Shabu Market which was strategically located at the main entrance of the ancient town.
Shabu market which holds Saturday of every week has been in operation since the time of our forefathers and has always attracted traders from its inner city , its outskirts and other local governments of Nasarawa state.
In Shabu market, there are varieties of trades of goods and services ranging from agricultural products, clothing and more.
It is imperative for the government to take action to build a new modern market for the Shabu Community in order to meet up with the growing economic activities.
This is important not only to manage overcrowding and boost the safety of the traders and nearby residents but also to improve the local community and strengthen economic activities in the state, making it a smart investment for the future.
Right now, the market is too small, causing many traders to encroach on the expressway, which leads to heavy traffic on market days, and endangering the lives and security of traders and consumers.
Creating a modern market with enough space and updated facilities can reduce these dangers, give traders and consumers more confidence in their security.
Moving the market would stimulate overall economic growth, community development, and transformation into a better trading center that benefits both traders and Governments.
Enhancing the shopping environment and modernizing the existing market to become a neighbourhood market can significantly boost income for the state and the local governments through increased tax revenue generation and will also provide numerous job opportunities.
In line with Governor Abdullahi Sule's administration policy on Market development where modern markets are under construction in some local government headquarters across the state it is important to consider Shabu as one of the beneficiaries.
We are therefore appealing to our listening and amiable Governor to passionately come to our aids by building a new modern market in Shabu.
Shu'aibu Madaki is a broadcast journalist with Nasarawa Broadcasting Service NBS and Head of Media and Public Affairs Unit, Abuja Liaison Office.
