Here’s a polished rewrite with attribution and a stronger online-friendly headline:
Headline:
Jubilation in Benin as Gov Okpebholo Inspects Rebuilt Oba Market, Promises Free Shop Allocation
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Friday led top government officials and political leaders on an inspection tour of the newly reconstructed Oba Market in Benin City, drawing excitement and celebration from traders, residents and business owners.
The Governor’s visit, described as unscheduled, was accompanied by Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, former Deputy Governors Pius Odubu and Lucky Imasuen, former Senator Matthew Urhoghide, Major General Charles Ehigie Airhiavbere, Edo State APC Secretary Lawrence Okah and other leaders from Edo South.
Traders and market women welcomed the delegation with songs and cheers, expressing appreciation for the reconstruction of the market which was destroyed by fire several years ago.
Speaking during the inspection, Governor Okpebholo thanked traders for their patience and cooperation throughout the rebuilding process, noting that their support contributed significantly to the successful completion of the project.
According to the Governor, shops in the reconstructed market will be allocated free of charge to genuine traders and previous occupants.
“I want to thank the market women and traders for their cooperation and support which contributed greatly to the successful completion of the Oba Market reconstruction project,” Okpebholo said.
He explained that his decision to personally inspect the market followed reports and complaints from traders concerning sections of the market still under construction.
“Their concerns touched me deeply and that is why I decided to visit personally,” he stated.
The Governor assured traders yet to secure spaces that they would be accommodated in the newly completed section, while another government-owned building behind the market would also be reconstructed to create additional trading spaces.
He added that traders currently operating outside the market would be moved into the main facility to enable them conduct business in a safer and more comfortable environment.
“No trader will be required to pay for shop allocation,” the Governor assured.
Okpebholo further promised that all traders who occupied shops before the fire incident would retain their spaces upon the full completion of the market.
“We are committed to restoring the pride of Oba Market and improving the welfare of traders and business owners. Our administration will continue to work to make Edo people happy,” he added.
Former Deputy Governor Pius Odubu commended the quality of the reconstruction, describing the project as world-class.
“I have travelled across different parts of the world and what we are seeing here today can compare favourably with modern markets in Dubai,” Odubu said.
Also speaking, former Deputy Governor Lucky Imasuen noted that the reconstruction had restored life and dignity to the market environment, while former Senator Matthew Urhoghide said the project had revived economic confidence in the area.
“The reconstruction of Oba Market has restored hope, pride and economic confidence to traders and residents,” Urhoghide stated.
The Oba Market reconstruction project is considered one of the major urban renewal initiatives of the Okpebholo administration in Edo State.
