Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has again reassured of his administration’s commitment to uplifting the standard of living and improved facilities in the state.
The Governor made this known at the Commissioning of the newly procured equipment for the maintenance of roads across Edo State at the Ministry of Works along Sapele Road in Benin City.
He noted that for many years, Edo people have endured the burden of poor roads, leading to death, higher transportation costs, preventable accidents, slower movement of goods and services, and missed economic opportunities.
He added that the event marks a very important step in the commitment of his administration to sustainable roads network in Edo State.
“For many years, our people have endured the burden of poor roads, leading to death, higher transportation costs, preventable accidents, slower movement of goods and services, and missed economic opportunities.”
Governor Okpebholo said bad roads do not just slow down traffic; they slow down the progress of our society. “They make it difficult for farmers to move their produce to markets, for businesses to transport goods, for workers to get to their jobs, and for our children to get to school safely.
“This is why today’s commissioning of these newly procured light and heavy-duty road maintenance equipment is so significant. These machines represent our resolve to maintain our roads in a more sustainable manner.
“With this modern equipment, Edo State can rapidly respond to road failures, repair potholes, rehabilitate damaged sections, and maintain our road network efficiently.
“To the engineers and operators who will manage and operate these equipment, I charge you to deploy them with professionalism, diligence, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people of Edo State. Together, we will fix our roads, connect our communities, and move Edo State forward.”
The Governor said when he came into the office, the first thing that came to his mind was to fix Edo State.
“My prayers then was that if I am not going to fix Edo State, God don’t let me win the Governorship election. We have set the ball rolling,” he said.
“We have keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President renewing the hope of Edo people. We are not progressing if we have bad roads. We are here to commission this equipment for Edo people.
“With the help and support of Mr. President we will achieve all we planned to achieve in Edo State. My promise is to leave Edo better than I met it. They may continue to criticize us but can’t stop us as we have surpassed what they have done for eight years.”
Governor Okpebholo revealed that his administration has put all modalities in place to also extend its developmental stride to the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector showing that it’s versed in technology.
He urged the agency to fully utilize the equipment to enable Edo people enjoy the benefits to purchasing the light and heavy duty equipment for the maintenance of roads across the State.
In his vote of thanks, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the support given to Governor Okpebholo to continue his developmental stride in various sectors in Edo State.
“Edo people are happy for your developmental stride in Edo State. You have promised 2.5 million votes and your leadership to Edo people will enable you to fulfil your promise to the president as the election is not won on election day but what you do for your people.”
The Commissioner for Works, Felix Akhabue, said on the assumption of office, he met a Ministry in a sorry state but commended Governor Okpebholo for stepping in to turn the narrative of the ministry around.
He noted that the staff of the ministry are idle because there is no equipment to work.
“We appreciate the governor for the purchase of these equipment for the maintenance of our roads across Edo State.
“We lack maintenance culture in Nigeria and governor Okpebhole is aware of this that was why he bought these maintenance equipment to keep Edo State roads in good shape”.
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He assured the Governor that the ministry has qualified engineers to maintain these equipment and will deliver on their maintenance responsibilities to ensure that the equipment is in good shape to continue to maintain roads across Edo State.
The Chairman of Edo State Road Maintenance Agency, Felix Ibhade, said the developmental leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo is visible across the three senatorial districts.
“We are particularly delighted that Edo State with the shining agenda of Governor Okpebhole is aligning with the developmental vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose Renewal Hope Agenda priorities infrastructural development and national progress.
“This commissioning is a bold step which will strengthen the capacity of the Agency to address the road maintenance challenges across the State.”
