BENIN-CITY: Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has pledged his administration’s support for the establishment of a modern technology market, proposed as the Edo Computer Village, to provide a structured business environment for telecommunications operators, laptop dealers and other technology entrepreneurs in the state.
The governor made the commitment on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, when he received members of the Telecom and Laptop Dealers Union, Edo State, led by its chairman, Akhile Ighalo Rodney, at Government House, Benin City.
During the meeting, Okpebholo assured the delegation that his administration was willing to collaborate with industry operators to develop a purpose-built commercial centre that would accommodate businesses dealing in computers, laptops, mobile phones, telecommunications equipment and related products.
He said his personal experience in business had given him an understanding of the challenges facing entrepreneurs, particularly the importance of focus, commitment and a supportive business environment.
I am part of you because I started the way you are today. One thing is to have something doing; another thing is to be focused,” the governor said.
The governor recalled the growth of Computer Village in Lagos, explaining that what started as a relatively small association of traders eventually developed into a major commercial hub for telecommunications, computers and related technology businesses.
He expressed optimism that Edo State could establish a similar business centre capable of attracting traders, customers and investors.
Responding to the union’s request for land, Okpebholo said the state government would consider identifying a suitable location for the proposed Edo Computer Village.
According to him, bringing dealers together in a designated commercial area would help reduce rental expenses, improve security and make it easier for authorities to monitor commercial activities.
He noted that a properly organised market would also make it easier to identify criminal elements and protect legitimate business operators.
We should be able to do that so that you can pay less rent and be highly protected,” he said.
Earlier, the union chairman, Akhile Ighalo Rodney, appealed to the state government to establish modern telecommunications and laptop markets across Edo’s three senatorial districts.
He explained that the association was seeking government-allotted land in strategic locations, which members would develop and manage themselves.
Rodney said the proposal was intended to address the high cost of renting business premises, improve the security of traders and provide a more organised environment for technology-related commercial activities.
He also requested the appointment of special advisers from the telecommunications and computer industry to strengthen communication between the government and operators.
The union further called for a sustainable partnership framework through which government and industry stakeholders could jointly address challenges affecting the sector.
Rodney said the association was prepared to support Edo State in attracting investments, generating employment opportunities and increasing the contribution of the technology trade to the state’s economy.
Okpebholo also spoke about the impact of economic policies on businesses operating in the telecommunications and computer markets.
He attributed improved currency stability to the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu, arguing that a steadier naira would help businesses that depend heavily on imported products manage foreign exchange pressures and plan their operations more effectively.
The governor subsequently urged members of the union to support Tinubu’s re-election bid, saying the continuation of the reforms would create further opportunities for businesses.
Those present at the meeting included Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Edo State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe; and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Yakubu Musa, JP, alongside other government officials.
The proposed Edo Computer Village represents a potential collaboration between the state government and private-sector operators to develop organised commercial infrastructure for the technology industry.
However, details concerning the proposed market’s location, funding arrangements, construction timeline and implementation framework were not disclosed at the meeting.
If implemented, the initiative could provide a dedicated business environment for technology dealers while supporting commercial activities, employment generation and investment in Edo State.
