Edo Govt Reaffirms Commitment to Workers’ Welfare, Security, Infrastructure Development

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to workers’ welfare, improved security, and infrastructure development, assuring residents that the state remains safe and conducive for business and investment.

The assurance was given during a joint press briefing in Benin City by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua; the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Rt. Hon. Festus Ebea; and the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Saturday Uwuilekhue.

Speaking at the briefing, Afegbua dismissed claims that the state government was indebted to teachers, stressing that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo has consistently met its obligations to workers while creating employment opportunities through the recruitment of personnel into the state civil service.

He also defended the concentration of some government projects in Udomi, the governor’s hometown, explaining that the investments were driven by security considerations rather than political sentiment.

According to him, the area had become vulnerable to kidnapping due to its proximity to Delta State and the vast stretches of largely uninhabited land surrounding it. He said the establishment of a military barracks, a School of Nursing, and a School of Health Technology was aimed at boosting economic activities, increasing human presence, and reducing criminal activities.

“By the time activities fully take off in that area, kidnapping will become a thing of the past, and we are already beginning to see positive results,” Afegbua stated.

On security, the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Rt. Hon. Festus Ebea, disclosed that the state government had commenced the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards as part of a comprehensive strategy to secure forests, farmlands, and rural communities from kidnappers and other criminal elements.

He revealed that 500 forest guards had already been recruited, while plans were underway to engage an additional 500 personnel following a directive from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Presidency.

According to Ebea, the forest guards will be strategically deployed across forests and border communities, particularly in areas vulnerable to criminal infiltration from neighbouring states, including Kogi, Ondo, and Delta.

He said operational bases would be established within forest reserves to ensure effective surveillance and rapid response to security threats.

“These guards’ offices will be located inside the forests of Edo State. We are paying special attention to areas bordering Kogi, Ondo and Delta states, as well as communities where criminal elements infiltrate forests and attack residents,” he said.

Ebea noted that Akoko-Edo Local Government Area would receive heightened security attention due to its vast mineral deposits, while the Ovia axis would also be closely monitored because of reports of criminals using waterways to infiltrate communities and carry out abductions.

He further disclosed that Edo State currently operates about 300 security outposts and praised the strong collaboration among security agencies in combating crime across the state.

The commissioner also expressed concern over the negative influence of social media on some youths and lamented the rising cases of self-kidnapping and rape, while assuring residents that government remains committed to safeguarding lives and property.

On transportation, Commissioner Saturday Uwuilekhue reiterated the government’s ban on unpainted commercial buses and tricycles operating within Benin City and emphasized that the restriction on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, within the Benin metropolis remains in force.

He explained that tricycles and motorcycles are only permitted to operate beyond designated bypass corridors, including the Sapele Road, Auchi Road, Agbor Road, and Ugbowo Road bypasses.

Uwuilekhue also announced that the state government had acquired 50 additional buses for the New Edo Line transport scheme, increasing the fleet from 100 to 150 buses.

In addition, he disclosed that 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses had been procured to strengthen intra-city transportation and provide affordable mobility for residents across the state.

He further revealed that Governor Okpebholo had approved the installation of road signs and directional signposts on completed roads across the state to improve traffic management and road safety.

The commissioners jointly reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to improving governance, strengthening security, expanding infrastructure, and creating an enabling environment for investment and economic growth across Edo State.