Oba Market Reconstruction As Proof That Promises Can Still Be kept

By Dr. Ebojele Akhere Patrick

Globally, citizens respond positively when leaders show up, listen, and follow through on commitments. The reason is that public trust is built not only through speeches by these leaders but also through visible action and responsiveness. That is the deeper message from the recent visit of Edo State Governor, Senator, Monday Okpebholo, to the reconstructed Oba Market in Benin City. Beyond the open display of excitement, the songs and the cheers from traders, the visit reflected something many Nigerians from the state are becoming unaccustomed to — the fulfillment of a promise.

For years, the story of Oba Market was one of pain, uncertainty, and disruption. Large sections of the market were destroyed by a fire that did more than destroy buildings and goods. It demoralised citizens, interrupted livelihoods, displaced traders, and created economic hardship for families that had depended on the market for generations. Many traders who once operated comfortably within the walls of the market were forced into temporary spaces, at the mercy of rain and sun, and even miscreants struggling to make a living daily with poor conditions.

When Governor Okpebholo promised to reconstruct the market, many traders had misgivings. Like many victims of public disasters, several of them feared the reconstruction might become another abandoned government promise. There are countless examples of markets, roads, and public facilities left incomplete years after official announcements and groundbreaking ceremonies. This has created deep skepticism among citizens who often hear political assurances but rarely witness full delivery.

That is why the reconstruction of Oba Market at record time carries significance beyond physical infrastructure. For the traders and business owners who gathered during Governor Okpebholo’s inspection visit, the completed sections of the market represented proof that the government could still deliver on commitments.

One of the most important aspects of the Governor’s visit was its tone and timing. According to the governor, he decided to inspect the market after seeing reports and complaints from traders who were worried about unfinished sections and the lack of adequate spaces for some displaced business owners. Rather than ignoring those concerns or relying solely on official briefings, he chose to visit personally and engage directly with those affected.

Citizens often judge leaders not only by the projects they complete but also by how they respond when problems arise. Public confidence grows when leaders demonstrate willingness to listen and take responsibility. By acknowledging the concerns of traders publicly and outlining immediate steps to address them, Governor Okpebholo projected an image of accessibility and responsiveness that many citizens desire from public office holders.

The Governor’s assurance that traders operating outside the market would be accommodated within the completed sections also addressed one of the major anxieties surrounding the reconstruction. Markets are highly competitive environments where space determines visibility, customer access, and daily income. For displaced traders, uncertainty over allocation and relocation often creates tension and fear of exclusion.

Perhaps the most widely celebrated announcement during the visit was the Governor’s statement that shops would be allocated free of charge to genuine traders and former occupants. In Nigeria’s difficult economic environment, where inflation and business costs continue to rise, the removal of financial barriers to re-entry into the market was widely seen as a major relief.

For many small-scale traders, market stalls are not simply business spaces; they are the foundation of family survival. Daily earnings from petty trading support school fees, rent, feeding, and healthcare for thousands of households. Requiring heavy payments for shop allocation after years of displacement would have placed additional pressure on already struggling traders. By promising free allocation, the administration positioned the reconstruction not merely as a commercial project but as a social and economic intervention.

The quality and scale of the reconstructed market also became a major point of discussion during the inspection. Former State Deputy Governor Dr Pius Odubu described the facility as comparable to modern markets seen internationally, including those in Dubai. While such comparisons may appear symbolic, they reflect an important issue in public infrastructure delivery — the expectation of quality.

As it were, many Nigerians have grown accustomed to poorly executed public projects that deteriorate shortly after completion. Markets in several states continue to suffer from overcrowding, weak structural standards, inadequate drainage, and poor fire safety systems. As a result, traders often work under unsafe and uncomfortable conditions.

The Oba Market reconstruction will change that narrative. Modern stalls, improved organisation, better protection from environmental conditions, and enhanced trading spaces all suggest an effort to create a more sustainable commercial environment. Beyond aesthetics, these improvements have practical implications for economic productivity and public safety.

Former Deputy Governor Lucky Imasuen also highlighted the importance of creating a safer and more comfortable environment for traders. His remarks reflected a broader understanding that infrastructure is not only about physical structures but also about the dignity of citizens who use them.

In many ways, markets represent the heartbeat of urban economic life in Nigeria. They are centres of commerce, employment, and social interaction. When markets function effectively, local economies become more stable. When they decline, the effects are felt immediately by ordinary citizens.

This is particularly important in a state like Edo, where trading remains one of the major sources of livelihood for thousands of residents. Supporting market infrastructure, therefore, goes beyond beautification; it is an investment in economic resilience and social stability.

Dr.  Ebojele is the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo