Governor Monday Okpebholo has expressed confidence that Edo State will transform into a modern urban Centre before the end of his first term in office, citing ongoing infrastructure projects across key parts of the state.
The governor made the statement on Tuesday during an inspection tour of several road construction and erosion control projects in Edo South Senatorial District, where he assessed the pace of work and expressed satisfaction with progress recorded so far.
The projects visited include the Ekinwa University of Benin Road (also known as Temboga Road Extension), Oba Erediauwa Road off Upper Mission Road being handled by Heartland Nigeria Limited, the Ikpoba Hill Flyover and associated erosion control works linking Obaseki Street and Agbo Road into Ikpoba River, as well as the Adesuwa Flyover along Sapele Road.
Speaking during the tour, Okpebholo noted that significant portions of the projects had already reached advanced stages, including sections of the Adesuwa Flyover where asphalt work has begun.
As you can see, we are making progress. A lot has been done in Edo State. This is the Adesuwa Flyover and you can see part of the road already asphalted. In the next few weeks, you will see significant progress on this road, he said.
He added that the inspection also covered other key sites such as Temboga Road, Uteh Palace Road, Ramat Park, and a nearly seven-kilometre stormwater drainage project channeling water into the Ikpoba River.
The governor said the level of ongoing work across the state gives him optimism that Edo will attain modern city status within his first four years in office, provided the current pace is sustained.
We have achieved so much and I believe that by the grace of God, if we continue like this, Edo will become a modern city before the end of our first four years,he stated.
Okpebholo also commended President Bola Tinubu for his support, saying the Federal Government’s backing under the Renewed Hope Agenda has contributed significantly to development efforts in the state.
For me, I am grateful to our President who has been very supportive. Without him, we cannot do what we are doing today, he said.
Residents of the affected communities reportedly expressed joy during the inspection visit, welcoming the governor with songs and praising ongoing rehabilitation works on previously dilapidated roads and erosion-prone areas.
The inspection tour was conducted alongside members of the state executive council and other senior officials of the administration.
