Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared that the ongoing construction of the ultra-modern Jattu Market is designed to stimulate economic activities, improve the livelihoods of residents and strengthen the state’s economy.
The governor made the declaration on Friday while inspecting the multi-billion-naira market project in Jattu, Etsako West Local Government Area, describing it as a key component of his administration’s infrastructure drive to boost commerce across Edo State.
Governor Okpebholo was accompanied on the inspection by the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, alongside other government officials.
Expressing satisfaction with the pace of work, the governor assured residents that his administration would continue to deliver people-oriented projects capable of improving their standard of living.
According to him, the project goes beyond constructing a conventional market, stressing that it is being developed as a world-class commercial hub that will attract traders from Edo North, other parts of the state and across Nigeria.
“We are not just building a market but a modern standard market for our people in Edo North, Edo State as well as Nigerians who will benefit from this project when completed.
“This is a central market for all of us and we are maintaining high standards of construction. We have different floors in this market. A lot of work has been done in the basement, the structure is very strong and solid, and the construction is massive,” the governor said.
Okpebholo noted that the project also reflects his administration’s appreciation for the support received from Edo people, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He maintained that the ongoing developmental projects across the state would translate into increased support for his administration and the APC during the 2027 general election.
Addressing his widely discussed target of delivering 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in Edo State, the governor insisted that the administration’s performance would drive voter support.
“People wonder how we will get the 2.5 million votes, but they forget that this government is doing a lot for Edo people. Our votes will come from the numerous projects we have embarked upon for the benefit of our people,” he said.
The governor dismissed criticism surrounding the ambitious target, insisting that residents understand the administration’s developmental agenda and are already rallying behind it.
Speaking during the inspection, Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, described Jattu Market as a historic commercial centre that had served the old Midwest Region for decades.
He commended President Tinubu and Governor Okpebholo for reviving the market, saying the project would provide traders with a more conducive environment to conduct business.
“This market will serve the people of Edo North and Edo State in general. Prices are cheap here, and we thank President Tinubu for providing the resources for governors to work for their people and the governor for considering the reconstruction of this market,” Momoh stated.
Also speaking, Senator Adams Oshiomhole praised Governor Okpebholo for reconstructing the over 200-year-old market, describing it as a vital part of the history and economic heritage of Edo North.
Recalling his childhood experiences, Oshiomhole said the market had long been a major commercial hub where communities gathered to trade.
“As a child, I wove and sold baskets in this market. All the communities in Edo North come here on market days to trade in various commodities,” he said.
He added that the reconstruction would preserve the market’s rich history while providing traders with a safer, more modern and convenient business environment.
Responding to criticisms over the cost of the project, Oshiomhole defended the investment, saying those questioning the expenditure failed to appreciate the scale and quality of the construction.
“I want to correct critics who have questioned the cost of the project. If they calculate the volume of reinforced concrete used on each floor, they will understand that the project is worth the investment,” he added.
Further details obtained by this online newspaper indicate that the reconstruction of Jattu Market forms part of the Okpebholo administration’s broader initiative to modernise markets across Edo State, with similar redevelopment projects ongoing at Oba Market in Benin City and Ekpoma Modern Market to provide safer and more efficient trading environments for residents.
