The Edo State Government has announced a ₦100 million grant for traders at the Uwelu Spare Parts Market in Benin City as part of measures aimed at supporting commercial activity in the area.
Governor Monday Okpebholo made the announcement on Friday during a visit to the market, where he also pledged to reconstruct the Uwasota-Uwelu Road and address other infrastructure concerns raised by traders.
The governor said the proposed grant would be targeted at supporting traders’ businesses ahead of the end-of-year trading season. He advised the traders to form a cooperative society if they had not already done so to facilitate access to the proposed intervention.
Road Rehabilitation Also Promised
The governor also promised government intervention on the Uwasota-Uwelu Road, which traders identified as one of the major infrastructure challenges affecting commercial activities in the market.
Okpebholo said he would return to the area to assess preparations for the road reconstruction and monitor the implementation of the project.
The road intervention is expected to improve movement around the market and ease transportation challenges for traders, customers and other road users.
The governor also promised to examine the condition of a secondary school in the area following concerns raised by residents.
Support for Small Businesses
The ₦100 million intervention is part of the state government’s stated efforts to support businesses and improve the environment in which traders operate.
The Uwelu Spare Parts Market is a major commercial centre in Benin City, serving traders and customers involved in the automobile spare-parts trade.
Market leaders have continued to call for improved roads and infrastructure, arguing that poor access affects commercial activities and movement of goods.
Okpebholo said the government would continue to engage with traders and other stakeholders while pursuing infrastructure projects across the state.
The administration has also linked some of its ongoing development activities to financial support received by the state from the Federal Government.