Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has assured traders and former occupants of the reconstructed Oba Market that shops in the market will be allocated to them free of charge.
Governor Okpebholo gave the assurance when he led top government officials and leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Edo South on an inspection tour of the market to assess the level of reconstruction work, following the devastating fire outbreak that destroyed parts of the market about three years ago.
It was a moment of excitement and jubilation for traders, shop owners, and business operators as Governor Okpebholo, accompanied by government officials and party leaders, toured the reconstructed Oba Market situated in the heart of Benin City, the state capital.
The traders, overwhelmed with joy, accompanied the Governor around the project site, singing songs of praise and appreciation for what they described as a timely intervention by the state government.
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Former Deputy Governors of Edo State, Pius Odubu and Lucky Imasuen, alongside other political leaders including Senator Matthew Urhoghide, Major-General Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd), and Lawrence Okah, who joined the governor on the visit, commended him for his swift response and commitment towards rebuilding the market.
Governor Okpebholo thanked the traders and market women for their patience, understanding, and cooperation throughout the reconstruction period. He reassured them that shops would be returned to the original occupants affected by the fire incident at no cost.
The Governor expressed optimism that trading activities would soon resume fully in the newly reconstructed market, which now boasts of modern facilities and improved fire-resistant structures designed to prevent future disasters.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
