The Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Dave Umahi has described Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State as an “infrastructure governor,” commending his commitment to infrastructural development within his first 100 days in office.
Umahi made this remark while addressing journalists in Benin City after inspecting the ongoing construction of the Benin-Warri Road at the Sapele Bypass axis.
According to Umahi, infrastructure remains the “lifeline of the people,” and he expressed delight at Governor Okpebholo’s determination to sustain and build upon the developmental foundation laid by former Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
“It is exciting to see a new governor who identifies what is good, embraces it, and continues with it. Governor Okpebholo is an infrastructure governor, considering his achievements in just 100 days,” Umahi stated.
The Minister urged Governor Okpebholo to collaborate with the contractor to address the particularly bad sections of the road. This, he said, would enable the construction company to focus on critical areas to meet the projected April completion deadline.
“We are currently at the Benin-Warri Road, where Levant Construction Company is working. I have appealed to the governor to partner with Senator Adams Oshiomhole to meet with the President regarding this road. The state government must intervene because the federal government cannot provide all the funds required to complete the project before the rainy season,” Umahi explained.
He further noted that the federal government expects state governments to participate actively in infrastructure development.
“It is refreshing that the era where state governments simply place signposts on federal roads without taking responsibility is over. We are now in an era of people-oriented governance,” he added.
Umahi assured Edo residents of his commitment to ensuring the project’s timely completion.
“The governor has the magic touch. He has come to rescue the state, and I believe by April, the nightmare of this bad road will be over,” he assured.
In his remarks, Governor Okpebholo expressed gratitude to Minister Umahi and Senator Adams Oshiomhole for their roles in the project.
“We have been inspecting the road since morning, seeking practical solutions to the road challenges facing Edo people. The federal government’s work on this road is essentially for Edo people, so we must take ownership of the project. We will also engage with the President, who will surely listen to us. I believe he will not abandon Edo State when we need him the most,” Okpebholo said.
Speaking on behalf of the host communities, Pastor Moses Osagiede, a resident of Ogheghe, thanked the Minister for fulfilling his promise regarding the road project.
“We have suffered so much because of this road. We are grateful for the ongoing construction and appeal for adequate funding to ensure timely completion. The benefiting communities will surely show their appreciation to the party with their votes come 2027,” Osagiede stated.
The Minister also held discussions with the contractor, Governor Okpebholo, and Engr. Clement Ogbuagu, Director of Highways Construction and Rehabilitation at the Federal Ministry of Works. The meeting focused on strategies to ensure the continuous progress and timely completion of the Benin-Warri Road project.
