Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has pledged to partner with telecom and laptop dealers to establish a modern Computer Village in the state, promising to provide land for the proposed market to reduce operating costs, improve security and boost commercial activities.
The governor made the commitment on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, when he received members of the Telecom and Laptop Dealers Union, Edo State, led by its chairman, Akhile Ighalo Rodney, at the Government House, Benin City.
Okpebholo said his administration was ready to collaborate with operators in the telecommunications and computer industry to create an organised business environment that would support their growth and attract more investment to the state.
He noted that his personal experience in business had given him an understanding of the challenges facing traders, commending the union for seeking a structured partnership with the state government.
“I am part of you because I started the way you are today. One thing is to have something doing; another thing is to be focused,” the governor said.
Drawing comparisons with Lagos Computer Village, Okpebholo recalled how the commercial hub developed from a small association into a major centre for telecommunications, computers and related businesses.
He expressed optimism that Edo State could replicate the success by providing a dedicated location for traders to operate.
On the union’s request for land, the governor said the government would consider allocating a suitable site for the proposed Edo Computer Village.
According to him, establishing a purpose-built market would reduce the high cost of shop rentals, strengthen security and make it easier for government and security agencies to monitor commercial activities and identify criminal elements.
“We should be able to do that so that you can pay less rent and be highly protected,” he stated.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, particularly in sectors that depend heavily on imported products.
He attributed improved stability in the naira to the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu, noting that a more stable exchange rate would ease foreign exchange pressures and enable operators in the telecommunications and computer business to plan their activities more effectively.
Okpebholo subsequently urged members of the union to support President Tinubu’s re-election, arguing that the continuation of the administration’s economic reforms would create further opportunities for businesses.
Earlier, the union’s chairman, Rodney, appealed to the state government to establish modern telecommunications and laptop markets across Edo State’s three senatorial districts.
He requested the allocation of land in strategic locations, which members of the union would develop and manage, explaining that the initiative would address high shop rental costs, improve security and provide traders with a more conducive business environment.
Rodney also called for the appointment of special advisers with industry experience to strengthen communication between government and operators.
He further advocated a sustainable partnership framework between the state government and the union to address challenges confronting the sector.
The union chairman assured the governor of the association’s readiness to support the state’s economic development through investment attraction, job creation and increased contributions from the telecommunications and computer industry.
Those present at the meeting included the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa; Edo State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Yakubu Musa; and other government officials.
The development signals a proposed partnership between the Edo State Government and technology dealers aimed at creating a structured commercial hub for telecommunications, laptops and computer-related businesses.
