Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has successfully completed remedial work on the Benin-Iruekpen federal road, significantly improving accessibility for motorists.
Governor Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, shared the update in a statement on Wednesday. During an inspection of the expressway, which spans from Aduwawa, Obadan Junction, Ugha, Okhuo, Obagie, and other areas, the governor expressed satisfaction with the contractor’s progress.
Acknowledging that federal roads are frequently used by Edo residents, Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with the federal government to improve road infrastructure in the state.
“You can see the efforts my administration has made in addressing the condition of federal roads in the state. These roads were once impassable, with numerous accidents and lives lost,” he said. “In the past, the state government had to place signboards along these roads with the message ‘This is a federal road, bear with us.’ Today, these are Edo roads, and we will continue to work for our people’s benefit.”
The governor highlighted the positive impact of the completed work, noting that travel time has been drastically reduced. “A journey that once took up to four hours can now be completed in 45 minutes,” he said, adding that the improved road would contribute to lowering the cost of transporting goods and services, in line with the federal government’s vision under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In addition to the Benin-Iruekpen road, Governor Okpebholo inspected several other road projects, including the Ekiuwa University of Benin Road (Temboga Road Extension), Oba Erediuwa Road (off Upper Mission Road), and roads in Ekiuwa Uteh, Orior-Ozolua, and Ekiuwa Quarters. He also visited a major drainage project at Uteh Temboga, designed to channel floodwater into the Ikpoba River.
“The work I do is driven by my love for the people of Edo,” Okpebholo said. “I want them to know their votes were worthwhile, and the only way to repay them is by improving their lives.”
The governor also inspected a gully erosion site in Temboga, where several houses had been lost to erosion, displacing residents. Site engineer Obuh Ugochukwu explained the challenge of reclaiming land but praised the governor’s administration for its intervention, which has made it possible for vehicles to pass through the area once again.
