Edo gov fixes neglected Benin-Iruekpen Expressway
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has completed remedial work on the Benin-Iruekpen federal road, easing movement for motorists.
Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, announced this in a statement on Wednesday.
During a tour of the expressway—from Aduwawa, Obadan Junction, Ugha, Okhuo, and Obagie to other areas—Okpebholo expressed satisfaction with the contractor’s work.
Acknowledging that federal roads are also used by Edo residents, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with the federal government to improve road infrastructure in the state.
“You can see what my administration has done in terms of fixing federal roads in the state. Initially, the road was not passable as several accidents were recorded on this road, and lives were lost as well,” he said.
“We once had a government in Edo State that used to place signboards across all federal roads with the inscription ‘This is a federal road, bear with us.’ But today, we know Edo people ply these roads, and it is now Edo roads. By the grace of God, we will continue to move forward to see that our people enjoy good roads across the state.”
Okpebholo highlighted the impact of the completed roadwork, stating, “For me, working for my people is the only thing that can give Edo people happiness and joy. Reducing the time of travel along this road is our achievement. A journey that will take up to four hours is now 45 minutes.”
He also aligned his efforts with the federal government’s vision, saying, “We have keyed into Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which has given Edo people hope—the hope of progress. With this road, prices of products will go down as the good road will reduce travelling time and positively affect the cost of transporting goods and services.”
Beyond the expressway, the Governor inspected several other road projects, including the Ekiuwa University of Benin Road (Temboga Road Extension), Oba Erediuwa Road (off Upper Mission Road), and roads in Ekiuwa Uteh, Orior-Ozolua, and Ekiuwa Quarters.
At Uteh Temboga, he examined a massive drainage project designed to channel floodwater into the Ikpoba River.
Expressing his dedication to the people, Okpebholo stated, “I work because I love my people and want to give them the best. I work because I have a working President who, at every point in time, asks me about Edo people.
“I need to show him proof of what I am doing for my people. I want Edo people to know that their votes were worth it, and the only way to pay them back is to work for them and ensure their lives get better.”
The governor also inspected a gully erosion site in Temboga, where several houses had been lost, forcing landlords to become tenants.
Site engineer Obuh Ugochukwu described the challenge of reclaiming land affected by erosion but praised the Okpebholo administration for its intervention.
“The gully has been filled, making it possible for vehicles to pass through,” he said.
