Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commissioned newly procured light and heavy-duty road maintenance equipment to address the challenge of deteriorating roads and improve infrastructure across the state.
The commissioning ceremony took place at the Ministry of Works along Sapele Road in Benin City.
Governor Okpebholo said the procurement of the equipment demonstrates his administration’s commitment to improving the standard of living of Edo people through better road infrastructure and sustainable maintenance practices.
He noted that for many years residents of the state have endured the hardship caused by poor road conditions, which have led to accidents, increased transportation costs, slower movement of goods and services, and missed economic opportunities.
According to the governor, the commissioning of the equipment marks a significant step in the government’s resolve to develop a sustainable road maintenance system.
“For many years, our people have endured the burden of poor roads, leading to deaths, higher transportation costs, preventable accidents, slower movement of goods and services, and missed economic opportunities,” he said.He added that bad roads not only slow down traffic but also hinder economic growth and social development.
“They make it difficult for farmers to move their produce to markets, for businesses to transport goods, for workers to get to their jobs, and for our children to get to school safely,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo explained that with the newly acquired equipment, the state will be able to respond quickly to road failures, repair potholes, rehabilitate damaged sections, and maintain roads more efficiently.
He charged engineers and operators responsible for the machines to deploy them with professionalism, diligence, and a strong sense of responsibility.
“When I came into office, the first thing on my mind was how to fix Edo State. We have set the ball rolling and will continue to work to ensure Edo people enjoy better infrastructure,” he said.
The governor also noted that his administration is aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and is committed to leaving the state better than it met it.
He further disclosed that plans are underway to expand development efforts into the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector as part of efforts to modernise governance and drive economic growth.
In his vote of thanks, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the governor’s developmental initiatives.
He noted that the governor’s people-oriented projects would further strengthen the support of Edo people for the administration.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Works, Felix Akhabue, said the ministry previously lacked the necessary equipment to effectively maintain roads but commended Governor Okpebholo for transforming the ministry by providing the needed machinery.
He assured that qualified engineers in the ministry would properly maintain and utilise the equipment to ensure roads across the state remain in good condition.
The Chairman of the Edo State Road Maintenance Agency, Felix Ibhade, also praised the governor’s leadership, noting that the administration’s development efforts are evident across the three senatorial districts of the state.
He described the commissioning as a bold step that would strengthen the agency’s capacity to address road maintenance challenges and improve infrastructure across Edo State.