Gov. Okpebholo Commissions Rebuilt POWA Complex, Approves ₦200 Million Support for Affected Traders

Ekpoma, Edo State — April 4, 2026

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commissioned the newly rebuilt Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Complex in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to responsive governance and post-disaster recovery.

The facility, which was destroyed by fire in January 2026, has been fully reconstructed and is now ready for use, barely four months after the incident. The inferno had affected more than 25 shops within the Ekpoma Police Division, with traders recording losses running into millions of naira.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Okpebholo recalled his earlier visit to the site shortly after the incident, where he commiserated with victims and pledged to rebuild the complex. He noted that the completion of the project reflects his administration’s resolve to honor its commitments.

“We all remember the unfortunate fire outbreak that occurred here a few months ago. At the time, we came to assess the damage and assured the victims that the government would intervene. Today, we have fulfilled that promise,” the governor stated.

In addition to commissioning the rebuilt complex, Governor Okpebholo announced a financial support package of ₦200 million for traders whose goods were destroyed in the fire. He explained that the funds would be disbursed to verified beneficiaries to enable them to restart their businesses and regain economic stability.

“We also made a commitment to support affected traders. Arrangements are underway to compile an accurate list of those impacted, and we will be releasing the sum of ₦200 million to assist them in rebuilding their livelihoods,” he added.

The governor’s intervention has been widely regarded as a demonstration of proactive leadership and empathy, particularly in addressing the needs of small-scale business owners affected by unforeseen disasters.

Furthermore, Governor Okpebholo indicated that similar efforts are ongoing in other parts of the state. He revealed that reconstruction work at Oba Market in Oredo Local Government Area, which was also affected by fire, is nearing completion, with contractors expected to hand over the project to the state government in the coming days.

The commissioning of the POWA Complex marks another milestone in the administration’s broader agenda of infrastructure renewal and economic support across Edo State.

The development was formally communicated by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, who underscored the administration’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling its promises and improving the welfare of citizens.