By Esosa Omorogbe
Residents, traders and business owners at the newly reconstructed Oba Market in Benin City on Thursday erupted in celebration as Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, led top government officials and political leaders on an inspection tour of the facility.
According to a statement issued by Dr. Ebojele Patrick, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the Governor’s unscheduled visit attracted jubilant scenes as market women and traders welcomed the delegation with songs and cheers in appreciation of the reconstruction of the popular market which was destroyed by fire several years ago.
The Governor was accompanied by Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, former Deputy Governors Pius Odubu and Lucky Imasuen, former Senator Matthew Urhoghide, Major General Charles Ehigie Airhiavbere, Edo State APC Secretary Lawrence Okah and other leaders from Edo South.
Speaking during the inspection, Governor Okpebholo commended traders and market women for their patience, cooperation and support throughout the reconstruction process, noting that their understanding contributed significantly to the successful completion of the project.
“I want to thank the market women and traders for their cooperation and support which contributed greatly to the successful completion of the Oba Market reconstruction project,” the Governor said.
He explained that his visit was prompted by reports and complaints from some traders concerning sections of the market still under construction.
“I came here today after seeing reports and complaints from some traders about the section of the market that is yet to be completed. Their concerns touched me deeply and that is why I decided to visit personally,” he stated.
Governor Okpebholo assured traders that shops in the reconstructed market would be allocated free of charge to genuine traders and previous occupants.
“Those traders who are yet to get spaces will first be accommodated in the newly completed section. We also have another government-owned building behind the market which will be reconstructed for the benefit of traders.
“Traders operating outside will also be moved into the main market so they can trade in a safer and more comfortable environment protected from rain and harsh weather conditions. No trader will be required to pay for shop allocation,” he added.
The Governor further assured traders that shop owners who occupied spaces before the fire incident would retain their shops upon full completion of the market. “We are committed to restoring the pride of Oba Market and improving the welfare of traders and business owners. Our administration will continue to work to make Edo people happy,” he said.
Also speaking, former Deputy Governor, Odubu, described the reconstructed market as a world-class project capable of competing with modern markets across the globe. “I have travelled across different parts of the world and what we are seeing here today can compare favourably with modern markets in Dubai. Governor Okpebholo has done exceptionally well and Edo people are proud of this achievement,” he said.
On his part, former Deputy Governor, Imasuen, noted that the reconstruction had restored dignity and renewed commercial activities within the market environment. “Traders now have a more comfortable and secure environment to conduct their businesses. This development has brought back life to Oba Market and we are proud to be associated with this achievement,” he stated.
Former Senator Urhoghide also praised the Governor for reviving economic activities in the area through the reconstruction of the market. “The reconstruction of Oba Market has restored hope, pride and economic confidence to traders and residents. This market is now better than it was before the fire incident and Edo people are grateful to Governor Okpebholo for this remarkable intervention,” he said.
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