Traders give Okpebholo thumb up over market reconstruction

Traders, business owners, and residents around the Oba Market axis in in Oredo Local Government Area on Friday, gave thumb up to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State over the ongoing market reconstruction work.

In a statement, Patrick Ebojele, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor said stakeholders described the intervention as timely and reassuring, noting that the governor’s commitment and regular inspection visits to the project site have renewed confidence among traders who were previously displaced.

Speaking to journalists at the market, a trader, Mrs. Faith Edos, said the market was in a deplorable state before the governor’s intervention, adding that the reconstruction has restored hope to traders and business owners.

“Before Governor Okpebholo came in, this market was in a very bad condition. Today, we are happy because he has rescued the situation by rebuilding a market that will have modern facilities,” she said.

Another trader, Mrs. Itohan Idamudia, described the governor as a promise keeper, stating that traders were abandoned for years despite repeated assurances by the immediate past administration.

“The Obaseki-led administration made several promises to rebuild this market but nothing was done. Governor Okpebholo has shown that he is serious. Gradually, the market is taking shape, and we are grateful,” she said.

The market, which is one of the major commercial centres in Benin City, was first gutted by fire in June 2020, destroying several shops and goods worth millions of naira. The inferno was reportedly caused by a faulty solar panel in one of the shops, which spread rapidly to other sections of the market.

With the ongoing reconstruction, displaced traders are optimistic that the project will restore their businesses and significantly boost commercial activities in the area and across Edo State.

Upon completion, the revamped Oba Market is expected to be equipped with modern facilities, including 24-hour electricity supply, internet connectivity, a Primary Health Centre, and other amenities designed to enhance efficiency, safety, and convenience for traders and customers alike.