By Ogochukwu Isioma
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, on Monday, embarked on a joint inspection of federal roads across Edo Central and Edo South Senatorial Districts.
In a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, he said the visit was aimed at assessing firsthand the deplorable state of critical road infrastructure and exploring urgent interventions to ease the burden on commuters.
The inspection tour took the delegation to Ujuelen, the Ekpoma stretch of the Benin–Auchi–Lokoja Expressway, and Egbele in Uromi, where both leaders expressed deep displeasure at the condition of the roads.
While commending Governor Okpebholo for his ongoing interventions, the Works Minister urged the State Government to intensify its support in alleviating the plight of road users.
In a significant development, Umahi formally handed over the completion of one full carriageway from Ewu to Agbor to the Edo State Government. He explained that while the Federal Ministry of Works will handle the design, execution will be managed locally by the State Government.
The Minister, who joined Governor Okpebholo to personally drive through the Benin–Ekpoma axis, praised the Okpebholo’s efforts in complementing federal interventions.
He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to rewriting the history of road construction in Nigeria by ensuring durability and sustainability.
“From Benin to Ekpoma alone is 53km, and CBC has begun work on the first stretch, already covering 2km without a single payment made. This is commendable. However, CCECC must sit up.
“By Monday, if I do not see efficiency on at least two sections, their contracts will be terminated. President Tinubu is determined to build roads that will last 50 to 100 years, not the short-lived projects of the past,” Umahi declared.
He further applauded BUA International for its handling of the Ekpoma section of the expressway, describing the quality as excellent and urging the company to accelerate completion of its first 10km before October, warning that failure could result in termination of contracts nationwide.
Umahi also sent a stern warning to federal directors and controllers, insisting they must leave their offices and monitor projects on-site.
“If I visit any state and encounter gridlock like I did here today, I will immediately redeploy the state director and controller to Abuja. The President is working for the people, and his officers must do the same,” he stressed.
Governor Okpbholo, on his part, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for prioritizing Edo roads, noting that the administration’s renewed focus has inspired confidence among the people.
He described the APC as a progressive party delivering tangible results, assuring that Edo’s promise of bloc vote for the president in 2027 is non-negotiable.
“What our administration is doing is visible to everyone. In the past, the State Government put up signs saying ‘please bear with us. This is a federal road.’ But Edo people use these roads, and we cannot abandon them. President Tinubu has changed the narrative, and our people are grateful. The by-election results have shown that Edo people have rejected the PDP and embraced APC,” the governor said.
Director of Federal Highways (Construction and Rehabilitation), Engr. Clement Ogbuagu, also commended BUA International for the quality of work delivered on the 30km Ekpoma section, explaining that the previous contractor’s poor performance necessitated termination before President Tinubu re-awarded the contract under a tax credit scheme.
Speaking for BUA International, Project Manager Mohammad Rabiu assured that the new concrete design being used would ensure longevity. “This Ekpoma section was once a death trap. Today, people are smiling. In a few weeks, we will return to commission this project,” he said.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), Gift Johnbull, described the project as a direct product of the “Renewed Hope Agenda,” adding that communities along the route are already feeling the impact of federal attention.
Edo APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, reinforced this, assuring the president of Edo people’s support in 2027, while PDP chieftain Segun Sowunmi also lauded the governor, the minister, and the president for delivering hope to Edo people through visible road projects.
Governor Okpebholo and Engr. Umahi also visited some parts of the ongoing reconstruction of Benin-Asaba Expressway, recently handed over to a Concession Company.
During the visit, Umahi expressed dismay and instructed the contractors to immediately provide some palliative measures to reduce the daily stress road users endure.
Umahi also accompanied Governor Okpebholo to Ramat Park, the location of the ongoing construction of the first-ever flyover bridge in Edo State. The Minister marveled at the infrastructural feat and the pace of work.
