RismadarVoice Reporters
November 3, 2026
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has expressed his administration’s readiness to partner with telecommunications and laptop dealers to establish a modern technology market, including a proposed Edo Computer Village.
The governor committed on Tuesday while receiving members of the Telecom and Laptop Dealers Union, Edo State, at the Government House in Benin City.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, Okpebholo said the proposed market would provide a more organised environment for traders and support the growth of technology-related businesses.
He explained that his previous involvement in the telecommunications business had given him an understanding of the challenges confronting operators in the sector.
The governor commended the union for seeking a partnership with the state government and assured members that their request for land would receive consideration.
He said the proposed Edo Computer Village could be modelled after the popular Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos State, which has developed into a major commercial centre for telecommunications equipment, computers and accessories.
According to Okpebholo, a purpose-built market would help reduce rental expenses, strengthen security and improve the organisation of commercial activities.
He also maintained that a structured trading environment would make it easier for relevant authorities to monitor activities and address security concerns.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting businesses and creating opportunities for investment and employment.
He further expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, arguing that improved exchange-rate stability would benefit businesses that depend on imported telecommunications and computer products.
Okpebholo also urged the traders to support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Earlier, the union’s chairman, Akhile Rodney, appealed to the government to establish modern telecommunications and laptop markets across Edo State’s three senatorial districts.
Rodney requested land in strategic locations where union members could develop and manage suitable commercial facilities.
He said the initiative would reduce accommodation costs for traders, improve security and provide a more conducive business environment.
The chairman also called for the appointment of industry representatives as special advisers and the creation of a sustainable partnership framework between the union and government.
He pledged the union’s willingness to support investment, employment generation and the development of Edo’s technology sector.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, Edo APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe, Chief of Staff Yakubu Musa and other government officials.
Although the governor expressed support for the proposal, no construction timetable, project budget or final land allocation was announced.
