The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday commissioned 54 construction equipment procured by the Edo State Government for the 18 local government councils in the state, describing the initiative as a bold investment in grassroots economic development.
The ceremony, held in Benin City, drew top government officials, party leaders and stakeholders from across the state.
Speaking at the event, Wike lauded Governor Monday Okpebholo for prioritising rural development and strengthening local government capacity. He said the procurement of the equipment demonstrated a clear commitment to taking development beyond urban centres to the grassroots.
“You have demonstrated that development must go to the rural areas. You have laid the foundation for Mr. President to be re-elected,” Wike said, commending the governor’s economic vision.
In his address, Okpebholo described the handover of the equipment as a strategic move under his administration’s SHINE Agenda to deepen local governance and fast-track infrastructure delivery in rural communities.
“Development must not be concentrated at the centre; it must reach every village, every community and every ward. Our local governments must have the capacity to deliver practical governance for the Edo people,” the governor said.
He emphasised that the machines were procured strictly for service delivery. “These machines are tools of transformation. They are meant to open rural roads, improve drainage, support sanitation, and accelerate local infrastructure delivery. They are not for show. They are not for storage. They are for work,” he stated, urging council authorities to ensure transparency and proper maintenance.
The Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, said the governor’s action signalled a new direction for grassroots governance in the state, noting that political leadership must translate into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.
On behalf of council chairmen, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Edo and Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area, Hon. Sunny Ekpeson, described the event as a practical demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the grassroots.
The Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Jarrett Tenebe, said the commissioning reflected the party’s commitment to practical governance and visible development, adding that the administration had repositioned the state for sustained growth.
Also speaking, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Edesili Anani Okpebholo, commended the governor for promoting inclusive governance, particularly the participation of women, and for improvements in security, healthcare and agriculture.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor; the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; members of the state legislature; and the 18 local government council chairmen.
The commissioning marks a significant step in the state government’s efforts to strengthen local government administration and accelerate infrastructure development across Edo State.
