Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing traders with free initial access to shops at the reconstructed Oba Market in Benin City, assuring them that they will not be required to pay for their first allocation when the facility is completed.
The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, during an inspection of ongoing government projects across the state with a team of editors and media executives.
Okpebholo said the arrangement was part of his administration’s commitment to easing the financial burden on traders affected by the market’s reconstruction and helping them return to business.
He, however, clarified that the free allocation would apply only to the initial period, after which traders would be expected to commence payment.
The governor explained that the market has two sections, one of which had remained undeveloped for about 11 to 12 years, while the other required extensive remodelling. Under the arrangement, traders in the section currently undergoing reconstruction would first move into the completed section to allow work to continue before returning to their original locations.
The first phase of the reconstructed market is expected to provide approximately 900 trading spaces, comprising about 500 lock-up shops and 400 open stalls.
The project also includes essential facilities such as a clinic, crèche, water supply and fire service infrastructure, designed to improve safety and provide a more functional environment for traders and customers.
Oba Market was severely affected by a major fire outbreak in June 2020 and experienced another fire incident in October 2025, disrupting commercial activities and affecting traders.
Beyond the market, the inspection tour also covered the New Edo Line, Oredo Girls Secondary School and Army Day Senior Secondary School.
At Oredo Girls Secondary School, the principal, Mrs Adesuwa Uwaifo, spoke about the difficult conditions previously experienced by teachers and students and commended the government for upgrading the institution.
At Army Day Senior Secondary School in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, said the government provided key infrastructure at the school within 21 days.
The interventions, according to Afegbua, included a perimeter fence, water supply, toilet facilities, solar-powered electricity, modern marker boards to replace traditional chalkboards, and classroom tables and chairs.
He said pupils who left for the Easter holiday returned to meet significant improvements in their learning environment.
The inspection formed part of the state government’s engagement with media representatives to assess ongoing and completed projects across Edo State.
Okpebholo said his administration remained focused on delivering infrastructure and public projects intended to improve residents’ living conditions and support economic activities.
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