BENIN CITY- The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured traders at the Oba Market in Benin City of free initial allocation of shops when the ongoing rehabilitation and remodelling project is completed.

The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday during an inspection of ongoing projects across the state with a delegation of editors.

He explained that the free allocation would be for an initial period, after which traders would be expected to commence payment for their shops.

“Just as we came in to start building, we promised them that it was going to be free. The initial access has to be free,” Okpebholo said.

He said the decision was aimed at easing the burden on traders whose businesses were disrupted by the market’s reconstruction and ensuring they could resume commercial activities without immediate financial pressure.

The Oba Market, one of the major commercial centres in Benin City, was devastated by a fire outbreak in June 2020 and suffered another fire incident in October 2025.

According to the governor, the market comprises two sections, one of which had remained undeveloped for about 11 to 12 years, while the other required extensive remodelling.

He explained that traders occupying the section currently undergoing rehabilitation would temporarily relocate to the completed section to allow construction work to continue. They would subsequently return to their original locations when the second phase of the project was completed.

Okpebholo disclosed that the first phase of the rehabilitation had provided essential facilities, including a crèche, clinic, water supply and fire service infrastructure.

He added that the reconstructed market would accommodate approximately 900 shops, comprising about 500 lock-up shops and 400 open stalls.

The governor said the project, which commenced last year, was designed to provide traders and customers with a more functional, organised and conducive trading environment.

During the inspection tour, the editors also visited the New Edo Line, Oredo Girls Secondary School and Army Day Senior Secondary School.

At Oredo Girls Secondary School, the principal, Mrs Adesuwa Uwaifo, recalled the difficult conditions previously experienced by teachers and students, expressing appreciation to the state government for renovating the institution to meet modern educational standards.

At Army Day Senior Secondary School in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Kassim Afegbua, said the government completed the provision of essential infrastructure within 21 days.

He listed the interventions to include the construction of a perimeter fence, provision of water facilities and toilets, installation of solar-powered electricity, replacement of traditional chalkboards with modern marker boards, and the supply of tables and chairs to classrooms.

Afegbua said students who had proceeded on the Easter holiday returned to meet a significantly transformed school environment following the intervention.