Edo State to Achieve Modern City Status Within First Term, Says Governor Okpebholo During Infrastructure Inspection Tour

Kingsley Ohens reporting

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Tuesday expressed confidence that ongoing infrastructural developments across the state would transform Edo into a modern urban centre before the completion of his first term in office.

The Governor made the assertion while conducting an extensive inspection of key ongoing projects across Edo South Senatorial District, where he assessed the progress of road construction and erosion control works being executed by various contractors.

The inspection covered major project sites within Benin City, including the Ekiuwa–University of Benin Road (Temboga Road Extension), Oba Erediauwa Road off Upper Mission Road handled by Heartland Nigeria Limited, the Ikpoba Hill Flyover and associated erosion control works linking Obaseki Street and Agbo Road into Ikpoba River, as well as the Adesuwa Flyover project along Sapele Road.

At the Adesuwa Flyover site, Governor Okpebholo commended the pace and quality of work, noting visible progress including sections of the road already asphalted.

“As you can see, we are making progress. A lot has been done in Edo State. This is the Adesuwa Flyover and you can see part of the road already asphalted. In the next few weeks, you will see significant progress on this road,” the Governor stated.

He further explained that the inspection tour extended to other strategic infrastructure sites, including Temboga Road, Uteh Palace Road, Ramat Park axis, and the ongoing stormwater drainage project spanning nearly seven kilometres into the Ikpoba River basin.

Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the scale of ongoing works reflects his administration’s commitment to urban renewal and sustainable infrastructure development.

“You can see the extent of what we have done in Edo State. We have achieved so much and I believe that by the grace of God, if we continue like this, Edo will become a modern city before the end of our first four years,” he said.

The Governor also acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attributing the progress of key infrastructural initiatives in the state to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“For me, I am grateful to our President who has been very supportive. Without him, we cannot do what we are doing today. As long as he continues to support us, we will continue to make progress for Edo people and turn Edo into a modern city. We are happy to associate with Mr President,” he added.

Residents of the communities visited expressed enthusiasm over the development projects, particularly the rehabilitation of previously neglected roads and the ongoing erosion control interventions, describing them as a significant relief to long-standing infrastructural challenges.

The Governor was accompanied on the inspection tour by members of the State Executive Council and senior government officials.