By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has assured traders in Ekiosa Market located in Oredo Local Government Area of the state of his administration’s commitment to revamp markets across the state.
Mr Obaseki gave this assurance during a tour of the market, where he also said plans are being concluded to ensure regular electricity supply to the market and disclosed that the claim of illegal ticketing in the market is being investigated.
He told the traders that modern toilet facilities would be provided in the market to improve the sanitary condition of the market.
He maintained that there was need for the state government to improve the infrastructure in the market as the traders spend quality time doing their business, more than the time they spend at home.
“The other reason for my coming is to see for myself those people that are harassing traders for ticket money. The provision of the law on who collects revenue is very clear.
“You will recall that we amended the local government law on markets and we are currently investigating the claim of illegal printing of tickets,” the Governor said.
“We are going to work with Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) to see how we can create a sustainable financing model for the market,” Mr Obaseki disclosed, assuring that the model would come with affordable prices.
“The inspection helps us to have first-hand information about the activities of traders and the condition of the infrastructure in the market, to enable us fix them,” he added.
The Governor further said that he has directed that markets in the state should have management committees to cater for sanitation, security, maintenance of infrastructure, particularly power infrastructure in the market so that people can trade in comfort.
Dipo Olowookere 
Adedapo Adesanya