- Reconstruction Efforts Begin on Uwelu and other markets
- Edo Governor Aims to Revive Local Economy
- The new market will feature essential amenities
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has begun the long-awaited reconstruction of several major markets in Benin City that were destroyed by devastating fires between late 2019 and early 2020.
Following a series of fires that destroyed major markets in Edo, Eko Hot Blog reports that thousands of traders lost their livelihoods and suffered millions of naira in losses. The previous administration’s failure to rebuild the markets became a major point of political conflict between the PDP and the APC.
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Now, with the new administration taking action, a renewed sense of hope has swept through the displaced traders. Governor Okpebholo has already approved the reconstruction of Oba Market and has mobilized contractors to the site. The project is not just about rebuilding but also about modernization.
The new market will feature essential amenities, including a Primary Health Centre and a reliable 24/7 electricity supply, to create a better environment for business.
The government is also prioritizing the original traders, giving them the first opportunity to reclaim their stalls upon completion of the project, with their original documents serving as proof.
The Head of Markets in Edo State, Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele, and the Commissioner for Information, Hon Paul Ohonbamu, both commended the governor’s commitment to restoring the markets.
They assured the public that the project is serious and well-supported, a critical step toward getting the state’s local economy back on its feet and fulfilling a promise that previous administrations failed to keep.
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