Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has pledged to collaborate with telecom and computer vendors to establish a modern trade hub in the state, featuring a proposed “Edo Computer Village.”
The governor made the commitment on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, during a courtesy visit to the Executive Chamber at Government House in Benin City by executive members of the Telecom and Laptop Dealers Union, Edo State chapter.
Addressing the delegation, Governor Okpebholo emphasized his administration’s resolve to foster a business-friendly environment that drives commercial growth and tech-driven trade across Edo State. Drawing on his background in business, the governor assured traders that his administration would evaluate suitable land allocations to house the purpose-built commercial hub.
He noted that a centralized market structure would enhance security, lower operating costs, and simplify regulatory oversight to curtail illicit activities, assuring traders that the initiative would allow them to pay lower rent while remaining well protected.
He further noted that with structural government backing, Edo’s technology ecosystem could replicate the growth trajectory of the Lagos Computer Village, evolving from a modest trade association into a major enterprise engine.
Governor Okpebholo also cited national macroeconomic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including recent naira stabilization, as positive catalysts for operators within the ICT and electronics sectors.
During the session, the Chairman of the Telecom and Laptop Dealers Union in Edo State, Akhile Ighalo Rodney, appealed for state intervention to establish structured telecom and laptop markets spanning Edo’s three senatorial districts, reaffirming the union’s readiness to drive local job creation and attract private investment.
The strategic dialogue was attended by key state officials and political leaders, including Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, All Progressives Congress (APC) State Chairman Jarrett Tenebe, and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Yakubu Musa, JP, who all joined the government delegation in receiving the trade union executives.
