Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Wednesday made good his promise to rebuild several shops belonging to the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) razed by fire at Ekpoma, Esan West local government area, on January 12, 2026, handing over the reconstructed shops and doling out N8 million per trader to rebuild their businesses.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that Governor Okpebholo had during an on-the-spot assessment of the scene of the fire disaster, encouraged the victims to be calm, and promised that reconstruction would start within the week.
He had said, “Between now and Friday, they will come and start building this place for you people. After the building, we will take inventory so that you will return to your shops without going to borrow from the bank”.
Personally giving out the cheques at the ceremony, the governor emphasised that the rapid reconstruction and disbursement were central to his administration’s “SHINE” agenda, noting that the intervention was aimed at restoring not just the market stalls, but the hope and dignity of the Edo families affected by the tragedy.
“This is what governance means to me, standing with our people and taking real action when it matters most,” Governor Okpebholo stated.
Recalling the incident, the governor said he was woken up at about 3 a.m. with the news that Ekpoma was on fire, and he immediately departed Abuja by 4 a.m., arriving the town later that day to assess the situation.
He described the destruction as the handiwork of “evil men” who targeted shops, billboards, and private properties in a bid to disrupt peace in the community. he said upon arrival, he visited the palace of the Enogie to get firsthand information and expressed shock at the level of devastation.
“But today”, Okpebholo stated, “it is a changed story”. He asserted that the reconstruction of the shops marked a significant step toward restoring economic activities and normalcy in the area.
The governor also revealed that President Bola Tinubu had followed the Ekpoma crisis through social media platforms, underscoring the presidency’s interest in developments across the country.
The rebuilt Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) complex now features modernised stalls, and traders expressed immense relief as they prepared to return to business in the fully restored facility.
At another event, this time, the inauguration of ward and local government coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and defection rally held at the Eguare Public field in Irrua, Esan Central local government area, Governor Okpebholo described President Tinubu as a man who believed in the future of Nigeria, highlighting the impact of the Federal Government’s economic reforms.
The rally witnessed the defection of prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members as well as other opposition party members, including the Labour Party, into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Notable defectors from the PDP included Clifford Ordia who represented Edo Central senatorial district from 2015 to 2023, as well as Joe Edionwele, Chief Clifford aka Cliff Sandra, Mrs. Ihenyen, amongst others from the Labor Party (LP)
Praising Tinubu’s policies, Okpebholo said the removal of fuel subsidy was a decision many past leaders avoided, which he noted has unlocked resources now being channeled into development projects across the country.
“That is the money we are using to work all over Nigeria today,” he said, adding that the president’s actions reflected a strong belief in Nigeria’s future and long-term prosperity.
He disclosed that he recently hosted a critic of the policy and took him on tour of ongoing projects in Edo State. He claimed that the critic was convinced after seeing how the funds were being utilised.
He added that more independent observers, including Reuben Abati of Arise Television, would be invited to assess projects in the state.
Reaffirming Edo State’s political support for the president, the governor said the state was ready to deliver 2.7 million votes in his favour.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor; the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku; members of the State House of Assembly; party leaders; and other stakeholders.
The inauguration of Renewed Hope Ambassadors and the defection exercise were conducted by the Edo State APC Deputy Chairman and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Sylvester Aigboboh, federal lawmakers, alongside other party leaders.
