…former shop owners to provide proof for new allocation
By Violet Osatohanmwen Obamwonyi
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed appreciation to members of the Market Women Association for their support and unwavering commitment towards the success of his administration.
The Governor asserted that despite the autonomy granted to local governments, it was imperative for the state government to step in and reconstruct Ekiosa Market which was razed by fire few years back.
The Governor made this known on Friday July 26, 2024, during the foundation laying ceremony of Ekiosa Market, located on Second East Circular Road, in Benin City.
According to Obaseki, “I want to thank all the market women in the state for their support towards my administration, you all have been of immense support to me, which is why we decided to prioritize this project even amidst the scarce resources.
“What we are doing here today is very important. I am here to fulfill the promise I made to the people; that is why I am here today to do the foundation laying of Ekiosa Market.
“As you could recall, this market was engulfed by fire few years ago by political antagonists. We are here, as promised, to rebuild the market that the so-called political critics burnt down.”
He added: “Even before the federal government granted local government autonomy, our local government chairmen collected revenue and had ownership over it. We have never had issues with them. We came here today to show that the state government is always willing to support and work with them in meeting the needs of the people, even at the local levels.”
The Governor observed that those who had stores before the fire outbreak should bring their papers or any other evidence to the management of Oredo local government council, to back up their claims, as allocations would be given to them, while assuring of speedy completion, stating that his administration detests abandoned projects.
“Our traders deserve a comfortable place to sell their wares. The market project is about three billion naira, which would be a far stretch for the local government, given the worsening economics realities, so we decided to step in and rebuild it for them. We plan to build a modern market that would have a primary health center, boreholes, 24 hours power supply from Ossiomo, properly ventilated spacious lock-up and open shops, boy area quarters, and restrooms. By the grace of God, in nine months, the new Governor would launch it open.
“The design plan of this market would be a benchmark in building other markets in the state”, he said.
Speaking on the forthcoming gubernatorial election, Obaseki emphasized the importance of democracy, assuring them that the next Governor would be chosen by the people and not imposed by anyone.
