Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Saturday, April 4, 2026, commissioned the newly 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 rebuild the complex after visiting the site of the incident, said the commissioning marks the fulfillment of that promise.
Speaking at the event, Okpebholo also announced a donation of N200 million to support traders whose goods were destroyed in the January 11, 2026 fire outbreak that razed over 25 shops within the POWA complex.
“We all remember the unfortunate fire incident that occurred here a few months ago. When we visited, we assessed the damage, commiserated with the victims, and made a commitment to rebuild this market,” the Governor said.
“Today, we are witnessing the fulfillment of that promise. It is always important to keep one’s word. Beyond rebuilding the structure, we also promised to support affected traders.
We will compile the names of those impacted and release the sum of N200 million to help them recover,” he added.
It would be recalled that Governor Okpebholo visited the scene shortly after the fire incident in January 2026, where he assured victims of government intervention. The inferno destroyed goods worth millions of naira belonging to traders operating within the POWA complex in Ekpoma.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting citizens in times of distress, noting that similar interventions are underway for traders affected by the fire incident at Oba Market in Oredo Local Government Area. He expressed optimism that reconstruction work at the market will soon be completed and handed over to the Edo State Government.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that his administration remains focused on delivering on its promises and improving the livelihoods of Edo residents.