Kingsley Ohens reporting For Urbanscoopnews
The Edo State Government under the purposeful leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo has taken a bold and historic step toward deepening grassroots development with the official handover of 54 construction equipment to the 18 Local Government Councils of the state. The epoch-making ceremony, chaired by the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was held at the Garrick Memorial School Field in Benin City amid widespread jubilation, cultural displays, and a strong show of political unity across the three senatorial districts.
The event attracted a distinguished gathering of national and state leaders, including Senator Adams Oshiomhole; Senator Made Imasuen; Senator Joseph Ikpea; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Musa Ikhilo; Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa; Chief of Staff, Hon. Musa Yakubu; former Deputy Governors Rt. Hon. Pius Odubu and Chief Lucky Imasuen; Gen. Cecil Esekhiagbe; Gen. Charles Ehigie Arabhare; Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu; Chief Dan Orbih; Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, alongside other top government dignitaries and party leaders.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, described the occasion as a defining moment in Edo’s governance history, noting that each local government would receive three key earth-moving machines — a payloader, a grader, and a tipper — to enable them undertake road construction and other critical infrastructural projects independently. He commended Governor Okpebholo for granting local councils operational freedom without intimidation and charged the chairmen to ensure proper use and maintenance of the equipment.
Speaking on behalf of the 18 local government councils, Hon. Sunny Ekpeson, Chairman of Etsako East Local Government and ALGON Chairman, said the ceremony symbolised the arrival of practical governance in Edo State. He stressed that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu is not confined to Abuja but is being translated into visible development at the grassroots. He expressed profound appreciation to Governor Okpebholo for entrusting local governments with both responsibility and the tools required to deliver, while also acknowledging the unity within the party structure in the state.
Goodwill messages from leaders across Edo North, Edo Central, and Edo South further underscored the broad support for the initiative. Gen. Cecil Esekhiagbe of Edo Central, drawing from scripture, noted that when the righteous rule, the people rejoice, asserting that Governor Okpebholo has redefined governance through humility, alignment, and results-driven leadership. Former Deputy Governor Pius Odubu, speaking for Edo South, applauded the administration’s strides in health, roads, security, education, and employment, and congratulated the governor on his recent recognition for excellence in education while offering prayers for greater accomplishments. The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Edo State, Her Excellency Edesili Okpebholo Anani, speaking for the women, praised the governor’s commitment to women empowerment, youth inclusion, and his determined fight against insecurity and cultism.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Okpebholo described the handover as a practical demonstration of his administration’s resolve to decentralise development and make governance impactful at the community level. He expressed deep appreciation to Minister Wike for honouring the event and acknowledged his admiration for the Minister’s performance-driven style of leadership. The governor warned that the equipment must not be diverted for personal or commercial purposes, insisting that they are strictly for public works and community development. He urged the local government chairmen to immediately deploy the machines for road grading and construction while cultivating a strong maintenance culture to sustain their value.
Reaffirming his administration’s loyalty and gratitude to President Tinubu for continued federal support, Governor Okpebholo assured Edo people of more projects across the state and reiterated his commitment to practical governance that delivers measurable results.
In his remarks, Minister Wike emphasised that winning elections is not about rhetoric but about performance that citizens can see and feel. He urged the local government chairmen to maximise the opportunity before them and remain close to their people, stressing that the earth-moving machines are not for hire but for grading roads and improving infrastructure in their respective councils. He commended Governor Okpebholo for commencing developmental projects immediately after assuming office, describing his humility and focus as admirable, and confidently declared that the governor’s infrastructural drive has positioned the state strongly for the future, fondly referring to him as “Mr. Construction.”
Delivering the vote of thanks, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku assured the governor of the unwavering support of the Edo State House of Assembly, pledging continued unity and legislative backing for policies and programmes that advance the welfare of the people.
The ceremony culminated in the official commissioning and symbolic handover of the 54 construction equipment to the 18 local government chairmen by Minister Wike, marking a transformative milestone in Edo State’s pursuit of grassroots-driven infrastructure, institutional autonomy, and practical governance that resonates across communities.
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