Ten years after fire reduced the historic Oba Market in Benin City to ruins, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured traders that the market will be rebuilt and ready for use by June 2026.
Okpebholo gave the assurance during an inspection of the reconstruction and remodeling project, where he was received with cheers from traders who had endured years of failed promises under the previous administration.
The Governor, accompanied by senior government officials, said the project was being executed under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which has made resources available for states to embark on critical infrastructure.
“This market has remained in ruins for a decade,” Okpebholo said. “During my campaign, I promised to rebuild it, and today I am fulfilling that promise. Leaders must keep their word. The new Oba Market will not only restore businesses but transform into a modern hub with restaurants, a crèche, a sick bay, and even a mini fire station.”
He stressed that original occupants would not be displaced, assuring that the project was for their benefit. “The money being spent belongs to Edo people, and it is only right that it serves their welfare,” he added.
Okpebholo also directed contractors to deliver ahead of schedule, stating that accountability and timely completion were non-negotiable.
Project Manager, Mr. Aneru Izuagbe, said the remodeling would convert the market into a mall-like structure befitting Benin City. According to him, the design includes 450 open stalls on the ground floor, lock-up shops for electronics, fashion and other businesses on the upper floors, alongside welfare and safety facilities.
“We are not just rebuilding; we are remodeling Oba Market into a safe, modern commercial space,” he said. “The timeline is 251 days, with delivery expected in June 2026, but our team is working to beat the deadline.”
For traders, the inspection rekindled hope that the once-thriving marketplace a lifeline for thousands of families will soon bounce back to life.
