Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his resolve to deliver on his campaign promises as he inspected the ongoing reconstruction and remodeling of the historic Oba Market in Benin City, which was destroyed by fire nearly a decade ago.
The governor, accompanied by senior members of his administration, was received with cheers by jubilant traders who had long endured unfulfilled promises of market reconstruction during the previous administration of ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki.
For many of them, the inspection marked a moment of restored hope that their livelihoods would soon be revived.
Speaking to traders and market women after the inspection, Gov. Okpebholo emphasized that the reconstruction was being executed under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which has made resources available for states to drive critical development projects.
He assured traders that the new market would not only restore their businesses but also elevate the marketplace into a modern commercial hub.
“This market has remained in ruins for the past ten years. During my campaign, I promised the people that if elected, I would rebuild the Oba Market. Today, I am fulfilling that promise. It is important that leaders keep their word.
“This reconstruction is being powered by the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, and we are committed to ensuring that Edo people enjoy the dividends of democracy,” the governor stated.
Gov. Okpebholo disclosed that the remodeled market will be designed to function like a modern shopping mall, complete with restaurants, a crèche, a sick bay, and a mini fire station to forestall future tragedies.
“We will not displace the original occupants of this market,” he added.
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“Rather, we are building a better environment for them to thrive. The money being spent belongs to Edo people, and it is only right that it serves their welfare.”
He further assured that the project would be completed ahead of schedule, stressing that his administration would hold the contractors accountable for timely delivery.
“The contractors have assured us of completion next year, but we will push them to deliver even earlier,” the governor said.
Project Manager for the Oba Market Reconstruction, Mr. Aneru Izuagbe, expressed appreciation to the governor for the confidence reposed in his team.
He explained that the remodeling will transform the once-devastated market into a modern commercial complex befitting of the state’s capital city.
Izuagbe said the ground floor will accommodate 450 open stalls, representing one-tenth of the section affected by the fire.
The upper floors will host three- and six-meter lock-up shops for electronics, fashion, and other categories of traders.
To enhance safety and welfare, the new design incorporates a mini fire station, sick bay, crèche, and other modern facilities.
“We are not just rebuilding Oba Market; we are remodeling it into a mall-like structure that provides safety, convenience, and functionality for traders and buyers alike.
“The project is expected to last for 251 days, with completion scheduled for June 2026. However, our team is working assiduously to beat the timeline and deliver ahead of schedule,” Izuagbe explained.
