The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has officially launched the construction of a flyover at Ramat Park in Benin City, a key project aimed at easing traffic congestion and enhancing the city’s economic and social landscape.
The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, announced the development in a statement on Tuesday, underscoring the administration’s focus on infrastructure development. The Ramat Park flyover is the first of three planned for the city, with others to be constructed at Dawson Road Junction and Sapele Road/Adesuwa Road Junction.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Okpebholo emphasised the strategic importance of the Ramat Park location, describing it as a critical gateway to Benin City that connects other parts of the country via the Benin-Auchi Motorway and the Benin-Asaba Expressway.
“Ramat Park Flyover will provide a new lease of life for motorists in Benin City and commuters along these two corridors: the Benin-Auchi Motorway and the Benin-Asaba Expressway,” the governor stated. “This project will not only ease transportation but also position Edo State for enhanced economic growth and tourism development.”
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to fulfilling campaign promises, noting that these flyovers were part of his vision to address the city’s traffic challenges.
“This is the first flyover we are constructing, and we are going to construct more. There will be one by Dawson Road Junction and another one by Sapele Road/Adesuwa Road Junction,” he affirmed.
Highlighting Benin City’s historical significance as Africa’s first capital during the 14th-century European expeditions, Governor Okpebholo stressed the importance of giving the city a modern facelift to attract tourism and foster development.
He appealed for patience from motorists during the 18-month construction period and urged them to cooperate with contractors to ensure the project’s success.
“I appreciate the Speaker and other honourable members of the House of Assembly for their cooperation. To the contractor, CCECC Nigeria Limited, we look forward to seeing you work day and night to meet the 18-month completion period,” he said.
Residents and stakeholders expressed their support for the project, praising the governor’s bold initiative. Amen Ogbemudia, daughter of a former governor of Edo State and a resident near Ramat Park, commended Okpebholo’s leadership.
“The steps he has taken have shown that he means well for the Edo people,” she said.
Similarly, Emmanuel Aigbogun, a youth representative from the Oregbeni Community, expressed his gratitude to the governor for fulfilling his campaign promise.
“You made a promise, and you are here to fulfil that promise today by doing the groundbreaking and flag-off of the Ramat Park flyover. We are behind you and will continue to support your administration,” he remarked.
The Ramat Park flyover is expected to significantly reduce traffic issues in Benin City while laying the foundation for sustainable urban development and improved quality of life for residents. With CCECC Nigeria Limited as the contractor, the project reflects Governor Okpebholo’s vision for a modern, economically vibrant Edo State.
