The Edo State Executive Council has ratified major contracts and approved the renovation of public schools and the reconstruction of roads in Ovia North East, Esan North East, and Oredo Local Government Areas.

The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, disclosed this while briefing journalists after the weekly State Executive Council meeting, presided over by Governor Monday Okpebholo. 

He stated that the council ratified contracts that had already been awarded by the state’s tenders board and the governor before the inauguration of the current executive council.

Hon. Ohonbamu explained that the ratification was necessary as the council had reviewed the procurement law and the tenders board certification of the affected contracts. 

The approvals included the purchase of vehicles for the Edo State Oil and Gas Development Commission, specifically four Hilux vans and four Prado Jeeps.

Additionally, the council approved the reconstruction of roads in Ovia North East, Esan North East, and Oredo Local Government Areas, along with the termination of ten road contracts. 

This decision aims to ensure uniformity of standards, prevent overlapping, and rescope the projects for timely completion. 

The council also mandated an assessment of the affected contracts to determine the extent of work completed by contractors, ensuring that payments are made accordingly.

As part of the state government’s commitment to improving education, the council approved the renovation of dilapidated public schools. 

This decision aligns with the government’s objective to create a conducive learning environment, addressing the poor state of school infrastructure it inherited.

Furthermore, the council approved variations on some ongoing contracts to ensure that projects meet required standards and are completed without unnecessary delays. 

To avoid setbacks in project execution, the government also agreed to pay ten contractors from the previous administration based on the level of work they have completed.

According to Ohonbamu, this approach, known as quantum merit, ensures that contractors are paid fairly for work done without imposing punitive measures. 

He emphasised that Governor Okpebholo remains committed to fairness and adherence to due process in governance.

“In four months, the governor has been able to establish a solid foundation for sustainable infrastructure and human capital development in Edo State,” Ohonbamu added