BENIN CITY – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has fixed June 2026 as the completion date for the long-awaited reconstruction and remodeling of the historic Oba Market in Benin City, which was gutted by fire nearly ten years ago.
During an inspection of the ongoing project on Wednesday, the Governor assured traders that the remodeled market would be delivered ahead of schedule if possible, stressing that his administration would hold contractors accountable for timely completion.
“The contractors have assured us of June next year, but we are pushing them to finish earlier,” Okpebholo said. “This project is about fulfilling promises, and it is important that leaders keep their word.”
The Governor explained that the reconstruction is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which provides resources for states to execute critical infrastructure projects. He noted that the redesigned Oba Market would function like a modern shopping mall, complete with 450 open stalls, lock-up shops, restaurants, a crèche, a sick bay, and a mini fire station.
For traders, many of whom have spent years in makeshift locations since the 2016 fire, the Governor’s announcement brought
