Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commissioned newly procured light and heavy-duty equipment aimed at strengthening road maintenance and addressing deteriorating road infrastructure across the state.
The governor performed the commissioning at the Ministry of Works premises along Sapele Road in Benin City, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving living standards and expanding infrastructure development.
Okpebholo noted that for many years residents of the state have endured the burden of poor roads, which he said had contributed to accidents, loss of lives, increased transportation costs and slower economic activities.
According to him, the commissioning of the equipment marks a significant step in his administration’s determination to ensure a sustainable road network in the state.
“For many years, our people have endured the burden of poor roads, leading to deaths, higher transportation costs, preventable accidents, slower movement of goods and services and missed economic opportunities,” the governor said.
He stressed that poor roads not only slow traffic but also hinder economic and social progress, affecting farmers, businesses, workers and students.
“This is why today’s commissioning of these newly procured light and heavy-duty road maintenance equipment is significant. These machines represent our resolve to maintain our roads in a more sustainable manner,” he said.
The governor explained that the equipment would enable the state to respond quickly to road failures, repair potholes, rehabilitate damaged sections and ensure regular maintenance of roads.
Charging engineers and operators who would handle the machines, Okpebholo urged them to deploy the equipment with professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility.
“When I assumed office, my foremost priority was to fix Edo State. We have set the process in motion and by God’s grace we will continue to improve the infrastructure of our state,” he added.
The governor also said his administration had aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and pledged to leave Edo State better than he met it.
He disclosed that plans were also underway to expand development to the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector as part of broader efforts to modernize the state’s economy.
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support to the Edo State Government and praised Governor Okpebholo for driving development across various sectors in the state.
Commissioner for Works, Felix Akhabue, said the ministry had previously operated with limited equipment but commended the governor for providing the tools needed to strengthen road maintenance operations.
He assured that qualified engineers in the ministry would ensure proper maintenance and effective deployment of the equipment.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Edo State Road Maintenance Agency, Felix Ibhade, said the procurement of the equipment would significantly boost the agency’s capacity to address road maintenance challenges across the state.
He added that the initiative aligns with the infrastructure development priorities of the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Signed: Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Edo State Government
