Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has pledged to fix the long-neglected roads in Edo Central Senatorial District, which he said were inherited from the previous administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
During an inspection tour over the weekend, Governor Okpebholo visited several failed road portions across the district, including the Onewa-Udomi-Ibhiolulu-Afada-Idumoza-Eko-Uwaya-Ewora axis, as well as the New Agbor Road and Illushin Road, all in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.
He decried the poor state of infrastructure across the state, stating that for eight years under the Obaseki-led government and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Edo suffered neglect.
“Bad roads across Edo State are one of the things I inherited from former Governor Godwin Obaseki and the PDP, who were in power for eight years,” Governor Okpebholo said. “I was with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu about a week ago, and he urged all governors to take action on bad roads. I’m going around to implement the President’s directive.”
The Governor emphasized the strategic importance of the Illushin Road, describing it as a major route connecting various parts of the country. “We are here to match our words with action. We will begin work on this road soon,” he assured.
At the New Agbor Road, Governor Okpebholo underscored its economic significance, saying it connects Edo State with the Eastern region of Nigeria. “This road links the North to the East — Agbor, Asaba, Onitsha, and beyond. But look at the state it is in — completely unmotorable,” he lamented.
He revealed that a recent incident during heavy rainfall resulted in the tragic death of a young girl due to flooding on the road. “It is painful to us as a government. This is a critical road and we need quick intervention,” he added.
The Governor noted that discussions are already underway with construction firms to begin immediate palliative work on the roads, ensuring residents have access to safe and motorable routes.
“This is the Uromi axis. The road must be fixed to prevent further disasters that bring sorrow to our people,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure statewide, promising to restore road networks with the support of President Tinubu’s administration.
