The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has commissioned 54 construction equipment procured by the Edo State Government for the 18 Local Government Councils, describing the initiative as a major boost to grassroots economic development.
Speaking during the commissioning in Benin City, Wike commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for his commitment to rural development and economic empowerment, noting that the intervention would accelerate infrastructure and economic growth in local communities.
He said the governor had demonstrated strong support for the local government system and a clear vision for inclusive development. According to him, prioritising rural development would help strengthen the economy and improve the living standards of people at the grassroots.
Wike also highlighted ongoing infrastructural development under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that recent electoral outcomes in the Federal Capital Territory reflected public confidence in the government’s performance.
In his remarks, Governor Okpebholo described the equipment handover as a strategic step towards strengthening local government administration and delivering development to rural communities across the state.He said the initiative aligns with his administration’s SHINE Agenda, emphasising that development must not be concentrated in urban centres but should reach every village, community and ward.
According to the governor, the equipment would be deployed to open rural roads, improve drainage, enhance sanitation and accelerate infrastructure delivery at the grassroots. He stressed that the machines were meant for practical use and must be managed transparently for the benefit of the people.
The Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, said the governor’s actions demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the welfare of ordinary citizens. He noted that the initiative was already changing the development narrative in the state.
Speaking on behalf of council chairmen, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Edo State and Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area, Sunny Ekpeson, described the commissioning as a significant step towards strengthening grassroots governance and advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
Ekpeson noted that the programme would enable local councils to deliver visible infrastructure and improve service delivery in their respective communities.
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, said the party remained committed to promoting good governance and sustainable development across the state.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Edesili Anani Okpebholo, commended the administration for its inclusive governance approach, particularly the empowerment of women and efforts to improve security, healthcare and agriculture.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku; members of the State Assembly; the 18 local government council chairmen; party leaders and other stakeholders.
The event marked another milestone in the Edo State Government’s efforts to strengthen local government capacity and entrench practical governance at the grassroots.