Full List Of Local Markets In Kwara State
Kwara State, located in the North Central region of Nigeria, is known not only for its peaceful environment but also for its vibrant markets. These local markets play a big role in the economy of the state. They are places where people buy and sell different items like food, clothes, electronics, livestock, household items, and more.
Whether you are a visitor, a resident, or someone doing business in Kwara State, knowing the major markets and their locations can be very helpful. In this post, we will take a detailed look at the local markets across Kwara State, especially in Ilorin, the state capital. The blog post is written in simple English so everyone can understand.
1. Oja Oba (King’s Market), Ilorin
Location: Near the Emir’s Palace, Oja Oba Road, Ilorin
Oja Oba is one of the oldest and biggest markets in Ilorin. It is located close to the Emir of Ilorin’s palace. This market is very popular and always busy. People from different parts of the city and nearby towns come here to buy and sell goods.
You can find many things in Oja Oba, such as:
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Fresh food items like tomatoes, onions, pepper, yam, and vegetables
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Clothes and shoes
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Local herbs and traditional medicine
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Kitchen utensils
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Household goods
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Grains like rice, beans, and garri
The market is divided into different sections to help customers find what they need easily. Prices here are often cheaper than in supermarkets. You can also negotiate prices with the sellers.
2. Oja Tuntun (New Market), Ilorin
Location: Baboko Area, Ilorin
Oja Tuntun means “New Market” in Yoruba. It is another major market in Ilorin. It is located in the Baboko area and is a center for wholesale trade. Many retailers buy goods here in large quantities to resell in smaller shops or kiosks.
Popular items sold here include:
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Bags of rice, garri, maize
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Drinks (soft drinks, sachet water, bottled water)
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Toiletries
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Building materials
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Kitchen items
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Packaged foods
Oja Tuntun is also known for being well-organized. It has large shops and stalls where items are arranged neatly. If you are planning to buy in bulk, this is one of the best markets to visit.
3. Ipata Market, Ilorin
Location: Ipata Area, along Amilegbe Road, Ilorin
Ipata Market is well-known for its fresh food items. It is one of the busiest food markets in Ilorin. It is located in the Ipata area and is easy to find.
Items you will find in Ipata Market include:
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Yam, plantain, tomatoes, and pepper
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Fresh and frozen fish
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Goat meat, beef, and chicken
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Palm oil and vegetable oil
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Spices and local condiments
One interesting thing about Ipata Market is that it operates both during the day and at night. This means you can buy fresh food items even late in the evening.
4. Ganmo Market
Location: Along Ilorin-Ajasse Ipo Road, Ganmo town
Ganmo Market is one of the most affordable markets for fresh farm produce in Kwara State. Many of the sellers are farmers who bring their goods straight from the farm to the market.
Popular items sold include:
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Fresh vegetables (ugu, bitter leaf, spinach)
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Groundnuts
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Cassava and maize
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Yam and potatoes
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Fruits like oranges, bananas, and mangoes
Ganmo Market is especially busy on market days, which follow a five-day cycle. People from surrounding villages come to buy and sell during these market days.
5. Yoruba Road Market, Ilorin
Location: Sulu Gambari Road, Oko Erin, Ilorin
This market is located along Yoruba Road, close to residential areas and schools. It is smaller than Oja Oba and Oja Tuntun but still important for everyday shopping.
Goods available include:
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Packaged food items
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Bread, noodles, beverages
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Fruits and vegetables
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Toiletries and cleaning agents
This market is very neat and organized. It is a favorite for people who want to shop quickly without going to the bigger, more crowded markets.
6. Mandate Market
Location: Olorunsogo, outskirts of Ilorin
Mandate Market is known for its modern layout and clean environment. It is located in Olorunsogo, which is a bit far from the city center but still accessible.
This market is best known for:
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Fresh vegetables and fruits
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Tomatoes, onions, and cabbage
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Potatoes and pepper
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Dry fish and snails
It is a market that both wholesalers and retailers like to visit because of the good prices and availability of fresh items.
7. Obo Market
Location: Obo area, Ilorin
Obo Market is popular for its wide selection of fresh food, especially catfish. If you are a fish lover, this market is the place to go.
It also offers:
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Meat and poultry
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Vegetables and spices
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Local snacks and delicacies
Prices here may be a little higher, but the quality of items is very good.
8. Eyenkorin Market
Location: Eyenkorin town, close to Asa Local Government shopping complex
This market is outside Ilorin but still plays a major role in local trade. It has been growing fast due to support from the local government.
You can find:
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Clothes and shoes
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Household goods
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Plastic wares
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Grains and foodstuff
Eyenkorin Market is still expanding and will become even more important in the future.
9. Malete Market
Location: Malete, close to Kwara State University
Malete Market serves mostly students and local residents. It is close to the Kwara State University and operates every day.
You will find:
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Cooked food
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Vegetables and raw food
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Recharge cards and phone accessories
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Clothes and shoes
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Provisions and drinks
Because of the student population, this market is very active and has a youthful atmosphere.
10. Offa Market (Owode Market)
Location: Offa town, Kwara South
Owode Market is one of the biggest markets in Offa town. It was rebuilt after a fire incident and is now modern and spacious.
Traders sell:
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Household items
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Fashion accessories
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Foodstuff and grains
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Hair products
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Phones and electronics
It is a commercial center not only for people in Offa but also for those from nearby towns.
11. Oke-Oyi Market
Location: Oke-Oyi town, near Ilorin
Oke-Oyi Market is a seasonal market that focuses on grains and local farm produce. Farmers from surrounding villages come here to sell their harvest.
Available items include:
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Millet
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Sorghum
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Groundnuts
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Maize
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Cassava
It is a rural market, but it plays a big role in food supply for many families and businesses.
Final Thoughts
Kwara State has a strong culture of local trade. From large city markets like Oja Oba and Oja Tuntun to smaller community markets like Malete and Eyenkorin, every market serves a purpose. Whether you want to buy fresh food, clothes, electronics, or household items, there is a market that meets your needs.
These markets are also great for learning about the people of Kwara—how they live, what they eat, and how they do business. Most sellers are friendly and willing to bargain, so don’t be shy to negotiate prices.
If you are new in Kwara or just visiting, take time to explore at least one or two of these markets. You’ll enjoy the experience and maybe even find a few things to take home.
