Traders Applaud Okpebholo Over Rapid Progress on Oba Market Reconstruction

Traders Applaud Okpebholo Over Rapid Progress on Oba Market Reconstruction

Kingsley Ohens reporting For Urbanscoopnews

Benin City, Edo State — Traders, business owners, and residents around the Oba Market corridor in Benin City have commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for the rapid pace and quality of work on the ongoing reconstruction of Oba Market in Oredo Local Government Area.

Stakeholders described the reconstruction as timely and reassuring, noting that the governor’s hands-on supervision and frequent inspection visits have renewed confidence among traders who were displaced following years of neglect.

The Oba Market reconstruction project, being executed under the Okpebholo administration, is progressing steadily, with emphasis on quality delivery and adherence to modern infrastructure standards. The governor has continued to personally monitor the project to ensure it is completed within record time.

Speaking with journalists at the project site, a trader, Mrs. Faith Edos, said the intervention had transformed what was once a dilapidated marketplace into a source of renewed hope for business owners.

“Before Governor Okpebholo assumed office, this market was in a very bad condition. Today, we are happy because he has taken decisive steps to rebuild it into a modern market with proper facilities,” she said.

Another trader, Mrs. Itohan Idamudia, described the governor as a leader who keeps his promises, noting that the market had been abandoned for years despite repeated assurances by the immediate past administration.

“The Obaseki-led administration made several promises to rebuild this market, but nothing came of it. Governor Okpebholo has shown seriousness and commitment. The market is gradually taking shape, and we are truly grateful,” she said.

Oba Market, one of the major commercial hubs in Benin City, was severely damaged by a fire outbreak in June 2020, which destroyed numerous shops and goods worth millions of naira. The fire was reportedly caused by a faulty solar panel in one of the shops, and it spread rapidly across sections of the market.

With reconstruction now well underway, displaced traders are optimistic that the project will restore livelihoods, boost commercial activities, and strengthen the local economy.

Upon completion, the rebuilt Oba Market is expected to feature modern amenities including a 24-hour electricity supply, internet connectivity, a Primary Health Centre, and enhanced safety infrastructure. These facilities are designed to improve efficiency, safety, and overall convenience for traders and customers.

The Oba Market reconstruction is widely viewed as a key component of the Okpebholo administration’s broader commitment to urban renewal, economic revitalisation, and improved public infrastructure across Edo State.