Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has inaugurated the newly reconstructed Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Complex in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.
The facility was destroyed by a fire outbreak on January 11, which razed more than 25 shops and led to significant losses for traders.
During the commissioning on Saturday, the governor also approved a ₦200 million relief fund to support shop owners affected by the incident, aimed at helping them recover their businesses.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, Okpebholo recalled visiting the site shortly after the fire, where he assessed the damage, sympathised with victims, and pledged to rebuild the complex.
“Today marks the fulfilment of that promise. It is always important to honour commitments made to the people,” the governor said.
He added that the financial support would be distributed to verified victims to help them restart their businesses and regain stability.
The fire, which occurred earlier in the year, destroyed goods worth millions of naira at the POWA market within the Ekpoma Police Division.