Lagos — Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has said for a more encouraging and conducive business environment that would engender economic development, he would replicate in the state, the new Ikeja Military cantonment ultra-modern Market in Lagos with an international out-look.

Besides, there are indications that the Comrade Governor would soon wield the big stick against incessant blockages of major roads for burial ceremonies and other festivities in the city and possibly abolish them.

The Governor's Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. John Mayaki, in a statement said, "There is a proposal to build an international ultra-modern market in the state, and the governor has set up a committee to see to the realisation of this project."

Mayaki said: "The governor cannot accept that Benin City should be an abandoned city in the name of ancient city and poverty cannot be the reason why people would have to abandon the markets for the roads to trade.

"The Governor has to find some courage to clean up the city and the hardship on the people is clearly unintended in the course of righting the wrong. There are existing markets that are under-utilised and as such, we have to get the traders out of the roadside to free traffic in the city."

Mayaki, in the statement, further said : "For instance, Ring Road and King Square, New Benin Market, Santana Market along Sapele Road where the governor personally visited under heavy down pour, Oregbeni and Etiosa Markets and the other one on 3rd East Circular Road Junction by Muritala Muhammad Way are under utilised.

"There was a proposal by a consortium of investors in conjunction with South African partners who successfully executed and turned the former Mammy Market at the Ikeja Military cantonment to an international ultra-modern market and as a result of this, Oshiomhole decided to set up a committee to see how the state can replicate in Edo State.

"Some of the facilities would include modern stores with convenience, trailer and car park, Open shops, modern abattoirs and several other outlets. The suitable location would be determined by the Ministry of Lands and Survey", Mayaki stated.