FIC Report (Edo State) – Traders, residents, and business owners at the reconstructed Oba Market in Benin City erupted in celebration as Monday Okpebholo led a high-powered delegation of government officials and political leaders on an inspection tour of the rebuilt commercial facility.
The Unscheduled visit, which took place on Friday, May 22, 2026, attracted widespread excitement as market women and traders welcomed the Governor and his entourage with songs, cheers, and expressions of gratitude over the successful reconstruction of the popular market that was destroyed by fire several years ago.
Gov. Okpebholo 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, alongside other leaders from Edo South Senatorial District.
Addressing Traders during the Inspection, Governor Okpebholo commended market women and business operators for their patience, understanding, and cooperation throughout the reconstruction process, noting that their support played a major role in the successful completion of the project.
The Governor explained that his decision to personally inspect the facility followed reports and complaints from some traders regarding sections of the market that were yet to be completed.
According to him, the concerns raised by the traders prompted the visit, as his Administration remains committed to addressing the welfare and business needs of those affected by the fire incident.
Governor Okpebholo assured Traders that shops in the reconstructed market would be allocated free of charge to genuine traders and previous Occupants, stressing that no individual would be required to pay for shop allocation.
He further disclosed that Traders yet to secure spaces would first be accommodated in the newly completed sections of the market, while another Government-Owned structure located behind the market would also be reconstructed to provide additional trading spaces.
The Governor also announced plans to relocate traders currently operating outside the market into the main Market environment to enable them conduct business in safer and more comfortable conditions protected from harsh weather.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that all Traders who occupied shops before the fire outbreak would retain their spaces upon the final completion of the reconstruction exercise.
“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,” the Governor stated.
Speaking during the inspection, Former Deputy Governor Pius Odubu praised the quality and standard of the reconstructed market, describing the project as world-class and comparable to modern international markets.
Odubu said the project reflects the Governor’s commitment to infrastructural renewal and economic revitalisation in Edo State.
“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.
Also speaking, Former Deputy Governor Lucky Imasuen noted that the reconstruction had restored dignity, comfort, and renewed commercial confidence to traders operating within the market environment.
According to him, the rebuilt market has provided traders with a more conducive and secure atmosphere for business activities.
Former Senator Matthew Urhoghide equally commended the Governor for restoring economic activities in the area, stating that the project had revived hope and renewed confidence among traders and residents.
“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,” Urhoghide stated.
The reconstruction of Oba Market is widely regarded as one of the major urban renewal and commercial infrastructure projects undertaken by the current administration, with many residents describing it as a significant step toward revitalising economic activities in the State.
By Egwaoje Amarachi Linda
ACI&PRO FIC Benin
May 22nd, 2026.
