Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has stated that his administration inherited poor road networks and infrastructure from his predecessor but pledged to address the failing roads across the state.
The governor made the declaration while inspecting several dilapidated roads in Edo Central Senatorial District over the weekend, emphasizing his commitment to improving transportation and economic activities in the region.
During the inspection, Governor Okpebholo and his team assessed critical routes, including Onewa-Udomi-Ibhiolulu-Afada-Idumoza-Eko-Uwaya-Ewora roads, as well as failed sections of New Agbor Road and Illushin Road in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.
“Bad roads across Edo State are one of the things I inherited from former Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Peoples Democratic Party during the eight years they were in power,” the governor said. “I was with the President about a week ago, and he told us as governors to look into our bad roads and fix them. So, I am going around to implement what Mr. President requested from the governors.”
He highlighted the economic significance of the Illushi road, describing it as a major link between different parts of the country. “This Illushi road is a major road linking various parts of the country. We are here to match our words with action regarding these roads. We will start work on the road soon.”
At New Agbor Road in Uromi, the governor stressed its importance as a key trade route connecting Edo State to the eastern region. “This road is very important as it is a link and the gateway between the North and the Eastern part of Nigeria. The road can take us to Agbor, Asaba, Onitsha, and other Eastern parts of Nigeria.”
Alongside his infrastructure inspection, Governor Okpebholo launched a door-to-door campaign for the August 16 senatorial by-election, urging voters to support the All Progressives Congress candidate, Hon. Joe Ikpea, who is vying to replace him in the Senate. Addressing a campaign team in Uromi, the governor called on youths to rally behind the APC and reject opposition candidates.
“This is the time to drive door-to-door campaigns for APC candidates. We are serious about giving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2.5 million votes during the 2027 presidential elections,” he said. “For the election coming up on the 16th of this month, APC will win the entire five local government areas in Edo Central. We will win five out of five. We are not taking anything for granted.”
He criticized the previous administration for failing to deliver development, stating, “The opposition was in power for many years, yet our people suffered from underdevelopment and infrastructural decay. No schools. No roads. No electricity, and the basic necessities of life are not there for Edo people. But today, under my administration, the difference is clear, and our work has shown our seriousness to improve the lives of Edo people.”