Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has said his administration is building a standard market in Jattu to improve economic activities and impact the lives of Etsako West Local Government Area and improve the economy of
Edo State.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the ongoing construction of the ultra modern market on Friday, the governor described the project as part of his administration’s commitment to providing infrastructure that will enhance trade and commerce across the state.
He was accompanied on the tour by the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, among other government officials.
Expressing satisfaction with the progress of work, Governor Okpebholo assured residents that his administration would continue to execute projects aimed at improving their standard of living.
He said the project was not just the construction of an ordinary market but the development of a modern commercial facility that would serve Edo North, Edo State and Nigerians from across the country.
“We are not just building a market but a modern standard market for our people in Edo North, Edo State as well as Nigerians who will benefit from this project when completed.
“This is a central market for all of us and we are maintaining high standards of construction. We have different floors in this market. A lot of work has been done in the basement, the structure is very strong and solid, and the construction is massive.”
The governor said the project was also a way of appreciating the support of residents for his administration, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, all ongoing developmental projects across the state would determine the level of support his administration would receive in the forthcoming 2027 general election.
On his target of securing 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in Edo State, the governor said the achievement would be driven by the impact of all ongoing projects on the people.
“People wonder how we will get the 2.5 million votes, but they forget that this government is doing a lot for Edo people. Our votes will come from the numerous projects we have embarked upon for the benefit of our people,” he said.
The governor dismissed criticism over the target, saying residents understood the focus of the administration and were already supporting efforts towards achieving the goal.
On his part, the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, described Jattu Market as a historic commercial centre that had served the former Midwest Region for decades.
He commended President Tinubu’s administration and Governor Okpebholo for reviving the market, saying the project would provide traders with a better environment to conduct their businesses.
“This market will serve the people of Edo North and Edo State in general. Prices are cheap here, and we thank President Tinubu for providing the resources for governors to work for their people and the governor for considering the reconstruction of this market,” he said.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole also praised Governor Okpebholo for reconstructing the over 200-year-old market, describing it as an important part of the history and economic life of Edo North.
Oshiomhole said Jattu Market had remained a major trading centre where people from different communities gathered to exchange goods and services.
“As a child, I wove and sold baskets in this market. All the communities in Edo North come here on market days to trade in various commodities,” he said.
He said the reconstruction would preserve the history of the market while creating a safer and more convenient environment for traders.
“I want to correct critics who have questioned the cost of the project. If they calculate the volume of reinforced concrete used on each floor, they will understand that the project is worth the investment,” Oshiomhole added.
The reconstruction of Jattu Market is part of the Governor Okpebholo administration’s broader plan to modernise markets across Edo State. Other markets, including Oba Market and Ekpoma Modern Market, are also undergoing redevelopment with improved facilities aimed at providing safer and more efficient business environments for traders.
