Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has announced that the reconstruction of the historic Oba Market in Benin City, which was gutted by fire nearly ten years ago, will be completed by June next year.

The Governor made this known on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, during an inspection of the ongoing project.

He was joined by top government officials and welcomed by traders who had waited years for the market’s revival after promises made under the previous administration failed to materialize.

Okpebholo explained that the reconstruction is being executed with support from President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is providing states with resources to undertake key development projects.

He assured traders that the new facility would restore their businesses and transform the market into a modern commercial hub.

The remodeled structure is expected to resemble a shopping mall, with facilities such as a crèche, a sick bay, restaurants, and a mini fire station to prevent future disasters.

The Governor stressed that original occupants of the market would not be displaced but instead return to a better trading environment once the project is completed.

The project manager, Aneru Izuagbe, revealed that the design will feature 450 open stalls on the ground floor, with upper levels housing lock-up shops for electronics, clothing, and other goods.

He noted that the reconstruction, which is planned to last 251 days, is scheduled to be completed in June 2026, but efforts are being made to deliver ahead of schedule.

Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his commitment to keeping campaign promises and assured that contractors would be closely monitored to ensure timely delivery of the market.