Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, on Monday, embarked on a joint inspection of federal roads in Edo Central and Edo South Senatorial Districts.
The visit was aimed at assessing the deplorable condition of critical road infrastructure and identifying urgent interventions to ease the suffering of commuters.
The inspection tour covered Ujuelen, the Ekpoma stretch of the Benin–Auchi–Lokoja Expressway, and Egbele in Uromi, where both leaders expressed disappointment at the state of the roads.
UMAHI HANDS OVER PROJECT TO STATE GOVT
In a major development, Minister Umahi officially handed over the completion of one carriageway from Ewu to Agbor to the Edo State Government. While the Federal Ministry will design the project, execution will now be handled locally by the state.
Commending Governor Okpebholo for his ongoing efforts, Umahi stressed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to deliver durable road projects that will last “50 to 100 years.” He also issued stern warnings to contractors, stating that non-performance would lead to contract termination.
PRAISES AND WARNINGS TO CONTRACTORS
The Minister applauded BUA International for the high quality of work on the Ekpoma section, urging them to complete their first 10km before October. He, however, cautioned CCECC to improve efficiency or risk contract cancellation.
Umahi also directed federal directors and controllers to leave their offices and monitor projects physically. “If I visit any state and encounter gridlock, the director and controller will be redeployed to Abuja,” he warned.
GOV. OKPEBHOLO THANKS PRESIDENT TINUBU
Governor Okpebholo expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for prioritizing Edo roads, noting that the APC-led government is delivering results.
“In the past, we simply told people to ‘bear with us, it is a federal road.’ But Edo people use these roads, and we cannot abandon them. President Tinubu has changed the narrative, and our people are grateful,” the governor stated.
He assured that Edo’s promise of bloc votes for President Tinubu in 2027 is “non-negotiable.”
STAKEHOLDERS SPEAK
- Engr. Clement Ogbuagu, Director of Federal Highways, praised BUA International’s work on the 30km Ekpoma section, citing the poor performance of the previous contractor as the reason for re-award under a tax credit scheme.
- Mohammad Rabiu, BUA Project Manager, said the new concrete design will guarantee longevity.
- Gift Johnbull, SSA to the President on Community Engagement, described the road project as a direct product of the “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
- Jarrett Tenebe, Edo APC Chairman, pledged Edo’s support for President Tinubu in 2027, while PDP chieftain Segun Sowunmi also commended the efforts of the governor, minister, and president.
FLYOVER INSPECTION
The inspection tour also extended to the Benin–Asaba Expressway and Ramat Park, where the first-ever flyover bridge in Edo State is under construction. Minister Umahi praised the scale and speed of the project but directed contractors on the Benin–Asaba route to provide urgent palliatives to ease the suffering of motorists.
