… Gets accolade from Benin residents over road reconstruction
BENIN CITY – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has emphasised that his administration speaks for the people of Edo through the implementation of life-changing projects across the state, particularly in road construction and flood control.
During an inspection of ongoing road projects at Ohoghobi and Evbhukhu boundary, Governor Okpebholo said that the residents of the area had long been voiceless, with no one to advocate for their needs. “Constructing this road for them is a thing of joy. If we don’t do it, who will? I am here to work for the people of Edo State, just as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu works for Nigerians, bringing hope to the people,” he stated.
The governor highlighted that the road works would open the area for economic development.
“Different buildings are already springing up at Ohoghobi and Evbhukhu boundary. By the time we complete the road, economic activities will flourish, benefiting the community,” he added.
Site engineer, Engr. Frank Nwogu, provided technical details of the project, noting that it spans 14 kilometres across Oghehe, Sapele Old Road, and adjoining roads, with a 2.5 km section at Ohoghobi and Evbhukhu boundary.
The project includes reinforced concrete drainage measuring 1.2 by 1 metre and pavement thickness of 250mm.
“This is an erosion control and water retention project. Over the years, this area was unpassable, especially during the rainy season,” he said.
The drainage is about 80 percent complete, with full project delivery scheduled for May 2026.
Residents expressed gratitude to the governor for intervening in a long-neglected area.
Peter Onu described the initiative as a welcome relief, while Kate Obayuwana said the road had been prone to flooding for years before the current administration stepped in.
Mathew Ehikhuemen recalled that the community had suffered flooding since 2000, but praised Governor Okpebholo for restoring hope.
Accompanying the governor on the inspection were the State Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sylvester Aigboboh, and other top government officials.
They also assessed the second flyover bridge at Adesuwa Road, Agbonze and Iyore Street at Ohoghobi, Camplink Road along Obagie N’Evbuos, Ihriri Road, Evbhukhu-Amagba Road, Okpagha-Amufi Road, and the water retention point at Amufi, including the Boundary road between Iyanomo and Amufi Community.
Also, residents of Charismatic Church Road, off Ekenhuan Road in Benin City, have expressed overwhelming relief and gratitude following the ongoing reconstruction of the once-derelict stretch, as Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, inspected the project.
The 1.4-kilometre road, currently under construction is transforming a corridor long associated with hardship, inaccessibility, and insecurity into a functional route, raising hopes among residents and business owners.
During the governor’s visit, large crowds gathered to welcome him, applauding what they described as a long-overdue intervention that has restored life to the area.
A resident, Blessing Patrick, recounted years of difficulty navigating the road, noting that it had remained impassable for a long time. Speaking in an emotional tone, she expressed appreciation for the ongoing work, attributing the intervention to divine favour and commending the governor for addressing their plight.
Similarly, trader Osarunwense Igbinovia described the road’s previous condition as dangerous, citing incidents of erosion that damaged buildings and created opportunities for criminal activities.
She noted that the transformation underway has already improved safety and renewed confidence among residents.
