… To construct road to ex-Gov Obaseki’s village

… Releases 25% payment for 2nd flyover in Benin

… To revamp infrastructure for cattle ranching

The Edo State Executive Council has approved the renovation of the Oba Market in Benin City, parts of which were gutted by fire several years back 

This decision marks the fulfilment of a campaign promise made by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

This was announced by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon Paul Ohonbamu, after the weekly Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Okpebholo in Benin City.

Ohonbamu stated that the entire Oba Market, including the sections affected by fire, will be renovated under the approved project.

Also, the council approved the construction of a road leading to the hometown of former Governor Godwin Obaseki in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

Hon Ohonbamu criticised the former governor for allegedly abandoning the road throughout his tenure, despite it being vital to his the former governor’s community.

“People from Obaseki’s village in Uhunmwonde came to appeal to Governor Okpebholo to construct the road, which had long been neglected,” he said.

“Governor Okpebholo, who is leading an inclusive administration, believes development must reach every part of the state. This is why the road has now been approved,” Ohonbamu added.

The Council also approved a 25 percent advance payment for the construction of eleven roads across the state, including a second flyover at the Sapele Road, Adesuwa Junction.

According to the Commissioner, this upfront payment will enable contractors to immediately mobilise to site for both the roads and the flyover project.

He further disclosed that the Council has given approval for the construction of an office for the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA) at Sapele Road.

In addition, three fertiliser warehouses will be constructed to support farmers across Edo State. 

These warehouses will be sited in Irrua, Auchi, and Benin City as part of the administration’s push for food sufficiency.

The Executive Council also approved the construction of a 100-bed hospital at Uwessan, which will support the nursing school being developed in Udomi, Esan Central Local Government Area.

Also approved was the construction of Uhie Road, off Sapele Road, as well as the purchase of new furniture and electronics for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that have recently been renovated.

Meanwhile, the State Government has taken steps to revive the Igarra Cattle Ranch by approving the development of supporting infrastructure to restore its operational capacity.

This was made known by the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Thomas Haruna, who represented the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Peter Osagie, during a courtesy visit by officials of the National Association of Cattle Dealers, Processors and Marketers of Nigeria (NACDPAMN).

Dr Haruna said the decision is in line with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s vision of promoting ranching as a modern solution to the persistent herder–farmer clashes.

He described the ranch as part of the state’s agricultural revival plan, which aims to ensure both food and economic security for Edo people.

The National Vice President (North East) of NACDPAMN, Engineer Garba Musa Gwani, who represented the association’s national president, Alhaji Iliyasu Bulama had advocated for the full adoption of ranching in Edo State.

He emphasised that ranching is the only viable alternative to open grazing, which has led to repeated conflicts between herders and farmers across Nigeria.

Gwani urged the Edo State Government to also consider establishing dairy centres as part of its ranching programme, noting that dairy farming could serve as a major source of income.

He also called on the state authorities to address the persistent problem of cattle rustling, which continues to affect livestock owners nationwide.

The association’s delegation included its Deputy National Vice President (South West), Ibrahim Yusuf, Edo State Chairperson Lady Uwa Sylvia Iyamu, and other senior state executives.