Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Saturday commissioned the rebuilt Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Complex in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, following its destruction by fire about four months ago.

The governor, who had earlier pledged to reconstruct the facility after visiting the scene of the incident, said the completion and commissioning of the complex fulfilled his administration’s promise to affected traders.

Addressing stakeholders at the event, Okpebholo also announced the approval of N200 million as financial support for shop owners whose goods were destroyed in the January 11, 2026 fire outbreak, which razed over 25 shops within the POWA complex.

“We all remember this market. About three or four months ago, there was a fire incident here. We came to assess the damage, commiserate with the victims, and promised to rebuild the market,” the governor said.

“Today, we are witnessing the fulfilment of that promise. It is always important to keep to promises made to the people.

“We also assured traders of support to help them recover. We will compile the names of those affected and release the sum of N200 million to enable them restart their businesses,” he added.

It would be recalled that the governor visited the scene shortly after the fire incident in January 2026, where he pledged immediate intervention. The inferno destroyed goods worth millions of naira.

The intervention is part of the state government’s broader commitment to supporting victims of market disasters. A similar effort is ongoing at the Oba Market in Oredo Local Government Area, where reconstruction work is nearing completion and expected to be handed over to the state government soon.

The statement was signed by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.