In a bid to uncover the true state of government-owned assets and projects inherited from the immediate past administration of Godwin Obaseki, the Edo State Government has launched a comprehensive verification exercise.
Spearheaded by the Edo State Assets Verification Committee, inaugurated by Governor Monday Okpebholo, the initiative aims to bring transparency to the status of ongoing and completed projects across the state.
Governor Okpebholo, while commissioning the 15-member committee, tasked them with a robust mandate: to provide detailed assessments of all ongoing projects, including their current status, budget allocations, contractors, and precise locations.
The committee’s scope also extends to evaluating both financial and non-financial government assets to ensure proper accountability.
Highlighting the motivation behind the exercise, Governor Okpebholo revealed that the previous administration had left critical gaps in handing over accurate data, necessitating the establishment of the committee.
He assured the public that the verification was not a political witch-hunt but a commitment to due diligence.
On the 10th of December, 2024, members of the subcommittee on Physical Assets and Infrastructure took to various road construction sites as part of their inspection.
Led by its chairman, Patrick Obahiagbon, the team clarified that their goal was to validate the legitimacy of projects awarded under the past government.
They sought to ensure that the scope of work aligned with the awarded contract sums, while also confirming adherence to specified standards.
Obahiagbon emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, stating that all projects must meet contractual agreements and deliver value for money.
The subcommittee includes other prominent members such as Engr. Abass Braimah, Prince Kassim Afegbua, Pharm. (Mrs.) Kenny Okojie, Engr. Patrick Unopah, and Hon. Patrick Ikhariale, who have all pledged to uphold integrity throughout the process.
This rigorous inspection underscores the state government’s commitment to fostering good governance and ensuring that public resources are judiciously managed.