Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed his administration's willingness to collaborate with telecom and laptop dealers in the state to establish a modern market for their trade. This commitment was made on Tuesday at Government House, Benin City, during a meeting with members of the Telecom and Laptop Dealers Union, Edo State, led by their Chairman, Akhile Ighalo Rodney.
The governor, who has personal experience in business, praised the union for seeking a structured relationship with the government and encouraged members to remain focused as they build their enterprises. He cited the growth of Computer Village in Lagos as an example of how Edo traders could achieve similar success with a purpose-built location.
Okpebholo's administration is committed to creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. He acknowledged the stability of the naira under President Bola Tinubu's economic reforms, which has helped operators in the telecom and computer industry that rely heavily on imported products. A steadier currency, he believes, will ease foreign exchange pressure and enable dealers to plan better.
The governor asked union members to support President Tinubu's re-election, stating that the continuation of the reforms will open more opportunities for businesses. He also addressed the union's request for land, assuring that the state will consider a suitable site for the proposed Edo Computer Village.
According to Okpebholo, a purpose-built location for the market will lower the rent traders pay, provide better security, and make it easier to monitor commercial activity and identify criminal elements. He emphasized that this will enable traders to pay less rent while being highly protected.
Earlier, Rodney requested that the state government establish modern telecom and laptop markets in all three senatorial districts. He proposed that the union be allocated land in strategic locations, which members would develop and manage themselves, to reduce the high cost of renting shops and improve security.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; the Edo State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Yakubu Musa, JP; and other government officials. The union's chairman also requested the appointment of special advisers from the industry to improve engagement between government and operators, and a lasting partnership framework to address the sector's problems.
Key points
- Okpebholo's administration will collaborate with telecom and laptop dealers to establish a modern market, including a proposed Edo Computer Village.
- The governor encouraged union members to support President Tinubu's re-election, citing the benefits of continued economic reforms.
- A purpose-built location for the market will provide traders with better security, lower rent, and a more conducive business environment.
