Edo Assembly Praises Okpebholo's Development Initiatives

Daftar Isi

Comprehensive Oversight of Edo State’s Infrastructure Projects

The Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Atu Osamwonyi, led a team of lawmakers on a thorough inspection of several ongoing infrastructure projects in Edo State. The visit took place on Tuesday and focused on assessing the progress of initiatives spearheaded by Governor Monday Okpebholo. This effort was described as one of the most comprehensive oversight missions in the state's history.

Among those accompanying the Deputy Speaker were Hon. Addeh Isibor, Hon. Yekini Idaiye, and Hon. Ugabi Kingsley. Their primary objective was to verify that the funds allocated by the legislature were being used effectively and transparently. The inspection covered multiple sites, including the Sapele Road Flyover, which was highlighted as a significant milestone for Benin City.

During the tour of the Sapele Road Flyover, Hon. Osamwonyi emphasized the importance of ensuring that public resources were being utilized responsibly. He noted that this project marked a new era of infrastructural development in the state, contrasting it with previous administrations that often failed to deliver tangible results despite budget approvals.

“This is the first flyover of its kind in my lifetime in Edo State. We are here physically, and work is ongoing,” he said. The Deputy Speaker also mentioned that the Assembly had previously inspected the Ramat Park Flyover, where similar levels of progress were observed.

Progress Across Multiple Sites

The oversight team also visited key locations such as Ogheghe, Old Sapele Road, and Ekae Road, where a 14-kilometre road and concrete drainage network are under construction. Hon. Osamwonyi praised the efforts, calling them unprecedented and expressing astonishment at the rapid pace of work.

He stressed that the legislature would not engage in political games when it came to accountability and would always speak the truth. “If Governor Okpebholo was not doing well, we would say it. But I stand here today to affirm that the funds appropriated are being used judiciously for the benefit of the people,” he stated.

Hon. Osamwonyi pointed out that despite limited financial resources, the governor had managed to deliver projects that many considered impossible. He recalled how communities like Ogheghe once faced severe road degradation, making access difficult even for motorcycles. However, he expressed joy at the current situation, noting that the governor had brought tangible improvements to the lives of the people.

Speed of Implementation

Contractors involved in the projects confirmed that although the initial timeline was two years, the work was expected to be completed within 18 months due to the speed of implementation. “That tells you that Governor Okpebholo is not eating Edo people’s money,” the Deputy Speaker remarked.

He further emphasized that the Assembly would resist any attempts to disrupt the governor’s momentum. “This is the continuity we want in Edo State. Anybody who wants to thwart the governor’s efforts, we will not agree,” he said.

The team also visited a 5.86-kilometre road project linking Amagba and Obagie-N’Ebvuosa, where the engineer reported that 4.3 kilometres of concrete drainage had already been completed. The inspection revealed consistent progress across all sites.

Role of the Ministry of Works

Commissioner for Works, Engr. Felix Akhabue, who accompanied the legislators, highlighted the strict directives given to contractors to ensure adherence to specifications. He confirmed that the Ministry of Works was monitoring the Adesuwa Junction Flyover construction “bumper to bumper.”

Akhabue noted that the involvement of the House of Assembly strengthened accountability. “The lawmakers did not just appropriate funds; they want to see how the money is being used. Their presence keeps us on our toes because Edo people are waiting for the completion of these projects,” he said.

He added that although the flyover was initially scheduled for 24 months, the current pace suggested an earlier completion. He praised the contractors for adhering to standards and thanked the Assembly for its active oversight role.

Commitment to Public Accountability

Earlier, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, had urged contractors handling the Ramat Park Flyover to increase their pace and finish in record time. He noted that residents were eager for the project’s completion, which would ease the plight of commuters stuck in traffic.

Agbebaku expressed satisfaction with the progress of work and emphasized that the committee’s inspections aimed to ensure that taxpayers’ money was being used properly. The site engineer, Mr. Akinshola Usman, reported that the project was 50% complete, with an estimated completion date of April or May next year.