Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State, is blessed with some historical markets which dates back to the pre-colonial era like Agbeni, Ogunpa, Oja’ba, Old Gbagi markets etc.
They have been in existence far before the introduction of modern markets we have today but these markets also have their individual uniqueness and goods that can mostly be seen there. But the most popular out of the modern markets around is the New Gbagi Market, being the textile hub in Ibadan just like Balogun or Idumota markets in Lagos.
New Gbagi market is situated on a very large portion of land along Ife/Alakia Airport Road, Ibadan. It was built by the former Governor of old Oyo State, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Late Ajibola Ige (SAN) in 1982 (he was governor between 1979-1983) but traders didn’t move there until around 1991/92, under the regime of late Major General Abdul Kareem Adisa as military Governor of old Oyo State. Since its relocation from the old location at Ogunpa to this present site the market has grown to become a city on its own, judging by the huge number of people who patronise it on a daily basis.
This is where all kinds of textile, from the lowest to the highest, could be find and several millions of naira is expended in this market on a daily basis. In 2002, the market, under the former Governor Lam Adesina, was renamed to Bola Ige International Market (Gbagi market), Ibadan. Though the market is so big and made up of many businessmen and women, who have invested huge amout of money into textile business. In fact, New Gbagi market story won’t complete without mentioning the likes of Alhaji Y.K Abassn Rashylad, Alhaji K. Lawal, Alhaji Shakiru Adebayo (Apex Store) and others. However, there some set of women out of the lots who have distinguished themselves in that line of business. Some of these women have moved a step further by owning
However, there some set of women out of the lots who have distinguished themselves in that line of business. Some of these women have moved a step further by owning textile factory or design their textile for the manufacturers from foreign countries like India, China or Switzerland. They are relatively rich women with class and style. Some of them have decade of experience in the business pare.
In this special report, City People’s Correspondent, DARE ADENIRAN presents to you 20 businesswomen rocking GBAGI International market in Ibadan.
FASHAD
Folashade Akinlabi Arowolo popularly known as Fashad, her business name, is a major stakeholder in textile business as far as Gbagi market is concerned. She has taken her business to the next level and particular dictates the pace for the manufacturers. In fact, we gathered that she is a principal shareholder in a fabric company in Switzerland where most of her products come from.
Her store occupies a very big space within the market and she is relatively prominent. Not only that, Fatshad has since also diversified into property business where she also plays big. Many people in Ibadan know her worth in business and it wasn’t surprising years back when she bought the old Scala Cimema, Sabo and turned it to a shopping complex. This is just one of her properties in Ibadan.. She also lives in a highbrow area of the town.
MUTI OYO
She has been around for a while and has proved her worth in textile business, especially in Bola Ige International market, New Gbagi, where her store is located. She is one of those top textile merchants dealing in all kinds of fabrics.
JADE KUDUS.
There are some names you can’t but mention whenever New Gbagi market is being discussed and one of such name is Jadesola Qudus. She runs Bislek Textile store and she is well known in the line of her business and in the social circle. She is one of the very rich women in textile business and has a couple of properties to show for it.
TAOFIKAT BABAYEMI
Though she is more into her property and hospitality businesss nowadays more than textile business, Taofikat owns the popular Palms 77 at Officers Mess, Agodi GRA area of Ibadan. She is one of those rich, young businesswomen dominating the business scene, especially at Gbagi market. She has high taste for quality things and that shows in her lifestyle; she drives the best cars and live in a highbrow area of Ibadan.
BOLA OLOGBURO.
Alhaja Bola Ologburo is the beautiful wife of Ibadan top property expert and Chairman, Quickborn Nigeria Limited, Tunde Ologburo. She runs one of the biggest textile stores at New Gbagi and she is highly successful on the business. Her Lace & Fabrics Store at Gbagi is very popular. Textile business for Bola Ologburo is a family business, the mother was one of those who dominated the Old Gbagi in those days. Most of her products are quality stuffs from Switzerland, Indonesia and France. She recently opened another mega fabric store at Jericho Mall, Ibadan. Bola Ologburo is a powerful dresser any day any time.
SURULERE STORES
Talking of those who have been in textile business for decades at Gbagi market then Surulere store is one of them. She is also one of the executives of the market and that shows her level and popularity in the business.
BISI KUTI.
She is the lovely wife of a top fashion consultant and Chairman, B.K.K Ultimo, Alhaji Bashir Kuti. Bisi runs Quality Textiles Store at New Gbagi market. She is well connected due to her husband’s popularity and she supplies top celebrities’ clothing materials in Ibadan. She deals in all kinds of top grade laces, fabrics and material.
NIKE DAIRO
Give to her, Nike Dairo has made a strong statement in the textile business at Gbagi market. ‘Congratulation’ as she is fondly called is big; her store is always full with customers looking for one fabric or the other. She also has a powerful social connection and dthat has helped her business a great deal.
JESU MODUPE
Talking of old names in the textile business at Gbagi market then ‘Jesu Modupe’ is one of such names. She has been around for decades and still very prominent. She is no doubt one of top 10 shops at Gbagi and many people will testify to this.
ABIKE ALAJOGUN
Chief (Mrs.) Jibola Abike Alajogun is known to be a virtous woman. She runs the popular Mataan Hotel & Suites among other businesses in Ibadan. Her business acumen is highly commendable and that also shows in her mega textile store (Mataan Textile) at new Gbagi market. She is the wife of a retired top Customs officer, Joseph Alajogun.
ALHAJA BISIMILAI
She is very popularly and one of the stupediously rich women at Gbagi market. ‘Confidence’ as she is widely known has carved a niche for herslf in that line of business. She is among those who dictate the pace in the textile business.
AUNTY AYO
She belongs to the younger generation of rich women in business. Her store is simply known as Aunty Ayo Textile Store but very big and popular. She deals in all kinds of high quality lace and other fabrics.
MAFORT
Mafort can be rated as one of the big textile stores at Gbagi. Those who know testify to the fact that her business has grown over the years to be in the position she is today. Having stated the business years back under her mum. She has since made a good name for herself and the business.
BETTY STORE
Though Alhaja Betty Oluwo is late but her store is still as relevant as ever when it comes to textile business at Gbagi market. The business has become a family business because some of her children are also into textile business and they are doing wonderfully well. Betty Store is one of those stores known for good quality when it comes to fabrics.
MRS. AMURE
If you are still doubting how strong women are in business then you may need to visit Gbagi market to see multi millions investment put together by some women. One of these women is the wife of top Redeemed pastor, Moses Amure, Esther Amure. Her textile store in this market is so big and filled with quality materials. She also co-runs Rubis International College with her husband.
YETUNDE OLOKUTA
The wife of prominent Quary expert, Demola Alimi popularly known as ‘Demola Olokuta’, Yetunde needs no introduction in the business and on the social scene. If you think her Y-Stone store around Ring Road is big then you have to visit ‘Mr. B Store’ at the New Gbagi market. Apart from textiles, Yetunde also deals in shoes, bags and other accessories big time. She is one of the young businesswomen rocking the market.
IYA USMAN
She is another prominent textile merchant at New Gbagi market. Her store says much about her business acumen, which some say she inherited from her family background. Most of products are from Indonesia and Switzerland.
FATADE STORE
This woman is one of the young business women who are highly connected not only in their line of business but also on the social scene. She is very rich and humble and that evidently shows in her dealings and way of life. She has more than two strores at New Gbagi.
ALHAJA ODUN
Alhaja Odun is young and highly connected too. This explains why happenings babes in town always patronise her store for their top quality fabrics and other materials. She is very popular as one of top players in textile business at the market.
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