Okpebholo commissions rebuilt POWA complex, supports traders with ₦200m

By Jethro Ibileke

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Saturday commissioned the rebuilt Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Complex, Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of the State.

Over 25 lock-up shops were gutted by fire on January 11, 2026, in the complex owned by police officers’ wives.

Goods worth hundreds of millions of Naira were lost to the fire incident.

During his inspection visit a day after the incident, Governor Okpebholo promised to rebuild the complex.

He also promised to support the traders who lost their goods to the fire with a donation of ₦200 million.

“We all remember this market, about three or four months ago there was a fire incident here. We came here to inspect the level of damage and commiserate with the victims, promising to help rebuild the market.

“Today we are experiencing a fulfilled promise. This is the building you are seeing now, and it is good when you promise and you keep to that promise.

“You remember also that we promise that we are going to help traders come back, so we will have the names of the traders affected and we will release the sum of ₦200 million to support them and ensure they recover,” the Governor said.