The leadership of the western zone of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has called on Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo to develop the Ekewan Fish Market in Benin.

The secretary of the zonal wing of the council, comprising of Edo, Delta and Ondo, Omaghomi Olu-Derimon, said on Sunday that it would create wealth and employment opportunities for the residents.

He said all that was needed to make the market a commercial hub for fish business was a standardisation of its operations.

He decried the present state of the market known for the sale of seafood as not encouraging commerce.

According to Mr Olu-Derimon, the market currently supplies about 70 per cent of seafood in Edo and environs, hence the need to upgrade its infrastructure.

“Ekewan Fish Market is a foremost market in Edo where buying and selling take place in seafood which is its major commodity.

“People from every part of the state and outside visit the market which holds five days a week.

“As popular as the market is, the state government has long abandoned the market and now it is under harsh conditions.

“If the government can provide the necessary amenities for the market, it will boost commerce and create wealth as well as employment opportunities for the people, especially the riverine communities,” he said.