BENIN CITY – Traders, residents and business operators at the reconstructed Oba Market in Benin City erupted in celebration at the weekend as Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, inspected the rebuilt facility and assured occupants that shops would be allocated free of charge to genuine traders and former owners.
The governor, who paid an unscheduled visit to the market, said that no trader would be required to pay for shop allocation, while promising that all previous occupants affected by the devastating fire incident that destroyed the market years ago would regain their spaces upon full completion of the project.
Governor Okpebholo was accompanied on the inspection by his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa; former Deputy Governors, Pius Egberanmwen Odubu and Lucky Imasuen; former Senator Matthew Urhoghide, retired Major General Charles Ehigie Airhiavber; Edo State APC Secretary Lawrence, Okah and other party leaders from Edo South.
The visit triggered excitement among traders and market women, who welcomed the governor and members of his entourage with songs, cheers and appreciation for the reconstruction of the once fire-ravaged market.
Explaining the purpose of the visit, Governor Okpebholo said he decided to personally inspect the market after receiving complaints from some traders regarding sections of the facility that were yet to be completed.
“I came here today after seeing reports and complaints from some traders about the section of the market that is yet to be completed. Their concerns touched me deeply and that is why I decided to visit personally,” he said.
The governor commended traders and market women for their patience, understanding and cooperation throughout the reconstruction process, saying their support contributed significantly to the successful execution of the project.
“I want to thank the market women and traders for their cooperation and support which contributed greatly to the successful completion of the Oba Market reconstruction project,” he added.
Addressing concerns over shop spaces, the governor assured traders who were yet to secure allocations that they would first be accommodated in newly completed sections of the market.
He further disclosed that the state government intended to reconstruct another government-owned building located behind the market to create more space and improve trading opportunities.
“Those traders who are yet to get spaces will first be accommodated in the newly completed section. We also have another government-owned building behind the market which will be reconstructed for the benefit of traders,” he stated.
Governor Okpebholo also disclosed plans to relocate traders currently operating outside into the main market complex to enable them conduct business in a safer and more comfortable environment protected from adverse weather conditions.
“Traders operating outside will also be moved into the main market so they can trade in a safer and more comfortable environment protected from rain and harsh weather conditions. No trader will be required to pay for shop allocation,” he said.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to traders’ welfare, the governor said the state government remained determined to restore the pride of Oba Market while boosting economic activities in the area.
“We are committed to restoring the pride of Oba Market and improving the welfare of traders and business owners. Our administration will continue to work to make Edo people happy,” he said.
Reacting to the development, former Deputy Governor Pius Odubu described the reconstructed market as a world-class facility, saying it compared favourably with modern markets across the world.
“I have travelled across different parts of the world and what we are seeing here today can compare favourably with modern markets in Dubai. Governor Okpebholo has done exceptionally well and Edo people are proud of this achievement,” Odubu said.
Former Deputy Governor Lucky Imasuen said the reconstruction had restored life, comfort and dignity to the market environment, adding that traders now had a safer and more secure place to conduct business.
Former Senator Matthew Urhoghide also commended the governor, saying the rebuilding of Oba Market had revived economic activities while restoring hope and confidence among traders and residents.
“The reconstruction of Oba Market has restored hope, pride and economic confidence to traders and residents. This market is now better than it was before the fire incident and Edo people are grateful to Governor Okpebholo for this remarkable intervention,” Urhoghide stated.
