Edo State's Market Reconstruction to Boost Economy

Patrick Ebojele, the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, stated that the reconstruction of major markets in Edo State is intended to revive economic activities in trading centers that have been abandoned or underutilized for years. In an interview in Benin City, Ebojele explained that these projects are part of the infrastructure pillar of the administration’s ‘SHINE Agenda’ and aim to restore deteriorated commercial facilities.

The Oba Market in Benin City, which was abandoned after a fire, has been redesigned to include over 450 open stalls, lock-up shops, and modern facilities such as restaurants, a crèche, a sick bay, and a fire station. Original traders have received free shop allocations.

Ebojele emphasized that the initiative extends to other markets, including the Irrua Ultra-Modern Market, which will have 700 lock-up shops, and the Jattu Modern Market in Edo North. He noted that these projects are crucial for promoting balanced development across the state’s senatorial districts.