The Edo State Government says the ongoing reconstruction of major markets across the state is aimed at reviving commercial activities and restoring livelihoods.
Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, said the projects were part of the infrastructure component of the administration’s SHINE Agenda.
Ebojele said the redesigned Oba Market in Benin City, which was abandoned after a fire, would have more than 450 open stalls, alongside lock-up shops and commercial spaces on the upper floors.
The market will also feature a restaurant, crèche, sick bay, and fire station. According to Ebojele, former traders and occupants will be allocated shops at no cost.
He said reconstruction was also ongoing at the Irrua Ultra-Modern Market in Esan Central, Ekpoma Modern Market in Esan West, and Jattu Modern Market in Edo North.
The Irrua project is designed to accommodate 700 lock-up shops, while more than 20 shops have been reconstructed at the fire-damaged POWA Shopping Complex.
Ebojele said the projects were intended to provide safer and better trading spaces while extending commercial infrastructure beyond Benin City.
“When you lose a market for 10 years, you lose more than buildings. You lose the trader’s capital and the community’s commercial identity,” he said.
