Governor Okpebholo Flags Off 14km Road Project in Godwin Obaseki’s Community and Nine Others in Edo
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday officially flagged off the construction of a 14-kilometer road in Uhunwonde Local Government Area. The new road will link the hometown of former Governor Godwin Obaseki with nine other surrounding communities, aiming to boost connectivity and economic activities in the region.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Okpebholo thanked the community elders for their support and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering on its campaign promises. He emphasized the strong representation of Uhunwonde in his government, highlighting the appointment of two commissioners from the area: the Commissioner for Justice and the Commissioner for Energy and Water Resources.
“I want to thank the elders of this community,” Okpebholo said. “Out of the nine commissioners appointed so far, two are from this community. You supported me during the campaign, and today I am here to fulfill my promise.”
He recalled how the community, particularly the women, had persistently demanded the road during his campaign visits. “I told you I would return to build this road if elected. Seven months into this administration, we are here to make it a reality. This is why I can boldly say, everywhere I go, that a new Edo has emerged. By God’s grace, this road will be completed,” he assured.
Governor Okpebholo noted that the road project marks the beginning of broader development plans for the area, pointing to the use of brand-new construction equipment as a testament to the contractor’s capacity and seriousness.
Touching on national politics, the Governor expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and projected strong support for the President in the 2027 general elections. “I’m expecting 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in 2027. He is solidly behind you,” he declared.
He drew a contrast between the past and present development trajectory in Edo State. “People used to say ‘Edo no be Lagos,’ but we weren’t seeing development. Today, we are changing that narrative. Look around, we have flyovers, roads, and visible progress. Edo is rising.”
Governor Okpebholo also cited other major infrastructure projects underway, including the Temboga Road in Benin City and the rehabilitated Benin-Ekpoma Road, which has cut travel time from hours to just 45 minutes. Taking a jab at previous administrations, he remarked, “This same road once had a sign saying ‘This is a federal road. Bear with us.’ But we didn’t wait, we acted.”
Goodwill messages were delivered earlier in the event by dignitaries including Dr. Washington Osifo, Commissioner for Energy and Water Resources; Hon. Iredia Benjamin, Chairman of Uhunwonde LGA; Hon. Kaycee Uhunoma Osamwonyi, member of the Edo State House of Assembly; and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works.
The 14-kilometer road is expected to drastically improve transportation, ease the movement of agricultural products, and boost local commerce, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for residents in the ten affected communities.
