Ikhilor Highlights Ekpoma’s Economic Revival as Infrastructure Drive Reawakens Commercial Activity

Kingsley Ohens reporting

Ekpoma, the administrative and commercial hub of Esan West Local Government Area, is undergoing a striking transformation, emerging from years of economic stagnation into a corridor of renewed commercial vitality. What was once a stretch defined by abandoned shops, declining business activity, and deteriorating infrastructure along the expressway has now become a symbol of recovery and forward momentum.

Speaking on the turnaround, the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, highlighted the profound shift in both the physical landscape and the local economy. According to him, the changes extend far beyond the visible reconstruction of roads, reflecting a deeper economic and social reawakening.

“We see Ekpoma, we know what was there before at the expressway, but now, it is a different story,” he stated, emphasizing that the impact of recent developments should not be measured solely by infrastructural upgrades. Rather, he pointed to what he described as a revival of previously dormant economic activity—“dry bones that have risen again.”

For years, the poor condition of the Ekpoma expressway significantly constrained movement, discouraged investment, and forced many businesses to shut down. Commercial outlets that once thrived along the corridor gradually disappeared, leaving behind a weakened local economy and reduced employment opportunities.

However, with the intervention credited to Akpakomiza, the narrative has shifted considerably. The rehabilitated road network has restored accessibility, attracting renewed business interest and triggering a resurgence of economic activities. Filling stations that had ceased operations are reopening, retail outlets are returning, and artisans and traders are once again establishing a presence along the corridor.

This renewed activity is not confined to Ekpoma alone. The ripple effects are increasingly evident across neighboring local government areas, as improved connectivity facilitates trade, mobility, and broader economic integration. The resurgence of commerce has also contributed to job creation, enhancing livelihoods and boosting local confidence in governance outcomes.

Ikhilor described the developments as extraordinary, noting that the scale and speed of the transformation reflect a broader commitment to infrastructure-led growth within Edo State. “What we are witnessing in Edo State is short of a miracle,” he remarked, framing the progress as a testament to deliberate policy direction and execution.

The ongoing changes in Ekpoma underscore the critical role of infrastructure in economic revitalization. By restoring key transport routes, the state has effectively reactivated a commercial artery that supports not only local enterprise but also regional economic flow.

As activity continues to build along the expressway, Ekpoma stands as a compelling case study in how targeted infrastructure investment can reverse decline, stimulate growth, and reposition communities for sustained development.