Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has completed remedial works on the 55-kilometer Benin-Iruekpen federal road, easing movement for motorists and enhancing economic activities in the state.
During an inspection tour of the expressway, covering Aduwawa, Obadan junction, Ugha, Okhuo, and Obagie, the governor expressed satisfaction with the quality of work delivered by the contractor. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to road infrastructure, regardless of whether they fall under federal or state jurisdiction.
“You can see what my administration has done in terms of fixing federal roads in Edo State. Initially, the road was almost impassable, leading to frequent accidents and loss of lives. Unlike the past, when signboards were placed with inscriptions like ‘this is a federal road, bear with us,’ we recognize that these roads are vital for our people, and we have taken responsibility,” Okpebholo said.
He highlighted the significant improvement in travel time, stating that a journey that previously took four hours has now been reduced to just 45 minutes. The governor noted that this development aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth.
“With this road, the cost of transportation will drop, making goods and services more affordable for Edo residents,” he added.
In addition to the Benin-Iruekpen road, Governor Okpebholo inspected the Ekiuwa-University of Benin (Temboga Road Extension), Oba Erediuwa Road, and several other road projects in the state. He also assessed the progress of a massive drainage system at Uteh Temboga, designed to channel floodwaters into the Ikpoba River, mitigating the risk of flooding in the area.
At a gully erosion site in Temboga, which had displaced several families, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reclaiming lost land and restoring affected communities. The site engineer, Obuh Ugochukwu, said the work has stabilized the area, allowing displaced residents to return.
“The gully was over 20 meters deep and had forced many landlords to abandon their properties. But with the intervention of the Okpebholo administration, we have successfully reclaimed the land, making the area safe again,” Ugochukwu said.
Engr. Mohld Bajuwa, the contractor handling the Benin-Iruekpen road project, commended the governor for his hands-on supervision, which ensured the timely completion of the work.
“The road is of high quality and will stand the test of time. The governor has been actively involved in monitoring the progress, ensuring that we deliver a durable and well-executed project,” Bajuwa stated.
Governor Okpebholo reiterated that his administration remains focused on providing quality infrastructure to improve the living conditions of Edo people.
“I work because I love my people and want to give them the best. Edo people trusted me with their votes, and the best way to repay them is through visible and impactful development,” he said.
The governor’s infrastructural drive has been widely applauded, with residents hailing his commitment to fixing critical roads and addressing erosion challenges in the state.
