Okpebholo Inspects Ultra-Modern Jattu Market, Says Facility Will Drive Edo’s Economy
By | Ojo Evans
Benin City | Saturday, June 27, 2026
BENIN CITY – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to economic expansion, saying the ongoing construction of a standard, multi-storey market in Jattu, Etsako West Local Government Area, is designed to transform trade and livelihoods across Edo North and beyond.
The governor made the remarks on Friday during an inspection tour of the project site, accompanied by top federal and state officials. The delegation included the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; former Edo Governor and Edo North Senator, Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole; and Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku.
Describing the facility as more than “an ordinary market,” Okpebholo said the project reflects his government’s infrastructure agenda to enhance commerce across the state. According to him, the development is structured to serve traders from Edo North, the wider Edo State, and visitors from other parts of 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,” the governor told journalists on site. He noted that the structure has multiple floors, a reinforced basement, and what he called “massive” and “solid” construction standards.
Satisfied with the pace of work, Okpebholo assured residents that the administration would sustain investment in projects that directly improve living standards. He also framed the market as a gesture of appreciation to Etsako West voters for their support of his administration, the All Progressives Congress, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The governor linked the pace of delivery to politics, stating that the outcome of ongoing projects would shape public support ahead of the 2027 general election. He defended his earlier target of delivering 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in Edo, arguing that the scale of current interventions would mobilize that base.
“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, dismissing criticism of the target and insisting residents understand the administration’s priorities.
Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, described Jattu as a historic trading hub that served the former Midwest Region for decades. He commended President Tinubu for releasing resources to states and Governor Okpebholo for prioritizing the reconstruction, adding that the new market would offer traders a safer and more organized environment.
Senator Oshiomhole, who said he once sold baskets in the same market as a child, described the redevelopment as both economic and cultural preservation. He defended the project cost, urging critics to weigh the volume of reinforced concrete per floor. “Jattu Market has remained a major trading centre where people from different communities gathered to exchange goods and services,” he added.
The Jattu project is part of a broader market modernization plan under Okpebholo’s administration. Officials said similar upgrades are underway at Oba Market in Benin City and Ekpoma Modern Market, with a focus on improved facilities, safety, and efficiency for traders. The government says completion of the facilities will be central to its economic and political scorecard in the coming years.