Governor Monday Okpebholo pledges sustained reconstruction of federal highways in Edo State to end citizens’ hardship and improve transport safety.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving transport infrastructure through the ambitious Edo Federal Highways Reconstruction initiative.
The governor pledged that his government will continue to repair and rebuild damaged federal highways across the state to alleviate the suffering of motorists and ensure safer travel for all residents.
Governor Okpebholo made this declaration during his inspection of the Ogheghe–Ologbo section of the Benin–Sapele Road on Sunday, November 2, 2025.
The visit was part of the ongoing Edo Federal Highways Reconstruction project aimed at transforming critical road networks. The governor expressed dismay at the appalling condition of the road, describing it as unacceptable and dangerous to lives and property.
“You can see for yourself how terrible this place is,” he said.
“It appears as if government has never existed here. A trailer fell and burned here recently, causing major losses. We can’t keep waiting for the Federal Government while our people suffer.”
Governor Okpebholo stressed that his administration would not fold its arms while federal roads in Edo continue to deteriorate.
Instead, the state government will intervene directly under the Edo Federal Highways Reconstruction plan and later seek reimbursement from the Federal Government.
“The best solution is to fix these roads now and recover the funds later. My concern is the safety of Edo citizens and the free movement of goods and people,” the governor emphasized.
The governor’s approach reflects a proactive and people-centered governance style. By launching the Edo Federal Highways Reconstruction, Okpebholo aims to restore road networks vital to commerce, agriculture, and industry in the state.
He noted that bad roads had contributed to rising transportation costs, frequent accidents, and delays in economic activities.
“Every bad road increases the cost of living and damages the economy. Our government is focused on real impact—reducing travel time, ensuring safety, and creating opportunities for businesses to thrive,” he added.
The governor’s intervention also underscores a growing trend among state leaders taking direct action on federal projects to prevent further hardship for citizens.
During the inspection, Engr. Mrs. Williams Bello, Special Adviser on Project Implementation and Monitoring, revealed that the Federal Ministry of Works recently handed over the 10.15-kilometre Ogheghe–Ologbo stretch to the Edo State Government.
The handover was made to allow for immediate reconstruction under the ongoing Edo Federal Highways Reconstruction program.
“Our governor is proactive,” Bello said.
“The contractor, already handling a 23.2-kilometre portion, has extended work to this new section. We’ve begun excavation and major drainage work to address the water retention problem that has weakened the road over the years.”
She added that the area’s poor soil composition made drainage a key priority. A 7.5-metre-wide drainage channel is being constructed to divert stormwater toward the bypass, where a discharge outlet will be installed.
“Now that we are in the dry season, the contractor can focus on stabilizing the foundation and laying the stone base, ensuring the road’s durability before the rains return,” she explained.
Mr. Liao, General Manager of CBC Global Construction Company, confirmed that steady progress has been made despite earlier delays caused by heavy rainfall.
“We have completed nearly 8 kilometres of stone base and 5 kilometres of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP). About 7 kilometres remain to be done after the bypass,” he said.
He further noted that construction activities were now in full swing with drainage excavation and grading works ongoing.
“The major challenge before now was rainfall, but with the dry season here, we can speed up. Our goal is to complete the project before the next rainy season under the Edo Federal Highways Reconstruction initiative,” Liao assured.
Residents and commuters along the Benin–Sapele corridor have expressed appreciation for the governor’s timely response. For many, the reconstruction marks a long-awaited end to years of suffering.
A commercial driver, Mr. Efe Uwagboe, said, “For years, this road has been a nightmare. Governor Okpebholo has done what others refused to do. You can already see improvement in some sections.”
Another trader, Mrs. Amina Musa, said the ongoing Edo Federal Highways Reconstruction would reduce transportation costs and stabilize market prices.
“Bad roads make drivers increase fares. If the road gets better, goods will be cheaper and safer to transport,” she said.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that his motivation is driven purely by service, not politics. He explained that the Edo Federal Highways Reconstruction program reflects his administration’s vision to make Edo a model of infrastructural excellence.
“We are not doing this for applause or political gain,” the governor said.
“Our goal is to ensure that Edo people live comfortably and safely. This is about governance, responsibility, and the well-being of our people.”
The administration’s broader plan includes ongoing and upcoming projects across other critical routes such as the Benin–Auchi Road, Benin–Agbor Road, and other state and rural highways.
The governor assured that every project under the Edo Federal Highways Reconstruction scheme would meet strict engineering standards to guarantee longevity and value for money.
The Edo Federal Highways Reconstruction program has become a symbol of leadership and accountability.
Analysts have praised the initiative as a practical example of state-federal collaboration that prioritizes citizens’ welfare.
By taking ownership of road rehabilitation, Governor Okpebholo demonstrates how proactive governance can bridge gaps in national infrastructure delivery.
Residents say the new approach is restoring confidence in government and providing tangible proof that Edo is on a path of renewal.
As work progresses, the results of the Edo Federal Highways Reconstruction are already visible—smoother roads, improved traffic flow, and renewed optimism among communities long neglected by successive governments.
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