Auchi, Edo State – July 31, 2025
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Thursday, flagged off emergency palliative work on failed portions of federal roads in the Edo North Senatorial District, declaring his administration’s commitment to improved infrastructure and security across the state.
The road intervention covers approximately 9.61 kilometers and includes critical sections of the Auchi-Igarra-Aiyetoro-Uneme-Nekhua-Aiyegunle-Ikpeshi-Ibillo-Ekor-Ikiran-Oke axis — all within Edo North.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to address insecurity, particularly the menace of kidnapping, which has plagued parts of the state. He pledged decisive action, including personally relocating to Edo North if necessary, to drive out criminal elements hiding in local forests.
“I assure you that the business of kidnapping will never thrive here,” the governor declared. “We must act decisively. These criminal elements must leave our forests. I will not leave this to security agencies alone. Together, we will smoke them out.”
Governor Okpebholo also credited the intervention to the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the president has directed state governments to ensure the rehabilitation of pothole-ridden roads — whether federal or state-owned — across the country.
“President Tinubu is concerned about the welfare of Edo people,” the governor said. “He wants to see improved roads, quality healthcare, education, and security in the state. We are committed to making that a reality.”
In addressing environmental challenges, Governor Okpebholo responded to concerns about gully erosion devastating the Auchi area. He assured residents that his government will tackle the issue in compliance with procurement protocols to ensure sustainable solutions.
“We are aware of the erosion problem,” he said. “I will personally visit the site, and our engineers will follow up to assess and put a final stop to this menace.”
The event drew commendation from community leaders and lawmakers. Hon. Oloruntoba Bamidele expressed appreciation for the governor’s efforts to repair neglected federal roads, noting that the project would significantly curb criminal activity in the region.
Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, also pledged the full support of the legislative arm to ensure the success of the governor’s infrastructure and security initiatives.
Following the flag-off, Governor Okpebholo and his entourage visited key erosion sites at Water Tanker Road in Auchi, as well as Ughiogwa and Ayogwiri-Uzairue in Etsako West Local Government Area.
