BENIN CITY: The Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Monday, formally handed over 54 units of construction equipment to the 18 Local Government Councils, describing the initiative as a strategic step toward accelerating grassroots development across the state.
Speaking at the ceremony held on February 23, 2026, Governor Okpebholo said the intervention was driven by his administration’s commitment to practical governance under the SHINE Agenda.
He emphasized that development must extend beyond the state capital to rural communities.
“The handover of Fifty-four construction equipment to our Eighteen Local Government Councils is deliberate and strategic. We believe that development must not be concentrated at the centre; it must reach every village, every community, and every ward,” the governor stated.
Governor Okpebholo noted that the equipment, which include heavy-duty construction machines, are intended to support road rehabilitation, drainage improvement, sanitation, and other critical infrastructure projects at the local level.
“These machines are tools of transformation. They are meant to open rural roads, improve drainage, support sanitation, and accelerate local infrastructure delivery. They are not for show. They are not for storage. They are for work,” he declared.
The governor also charged local government chairmen to ensure transparency and proper maintenance of the equipment, warning against misuse.
“To our Local Government Chairmen: this is a test of leadership and responsibility. These equipment belong to the people of Edo State. Use them transparently, maintain them properly, and deploy them efficiently for public good – not personal use,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo further stressed that effective local governance remains central to the state’s development drive.
“When local governments work, Edo State works. And when Edo works, our people prosper. The Edo people must see the impacts in roads rehabilitation, improved drainages, and faster project execution.”
He expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who attended the event as Special Guest of Honour, noting that his presence underscored the importance of results-driven governance.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue empowering all tiers of government to deliver tangible dividends of democracy to the people.
