Uhunwonde, Edo State – June 24, 2025
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday flagged off the construction of a 14-kilometer road linking former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s community and nine other surrounding communities in Uhunwonde Local Government Area.
The road project, which is expected to significantly improve rural connectivity and boost economic activities, marks a major infrastructural intervention by the Okpebholo administration just seven months into office.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Okpebholo expressed gratitude to the community for their support during the 2024 governorship election and reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on campaign promises.
“I want to thank the elders of this community. We have appointed nine commissioners, and this community alone has produced two—one for Justice and another for Energy and Water Resources,” the Governor said.
He recalled the overwhelming calls for development during his campaign visit to the area, particularly the demand for road construction. “You voted for your son before, and he didn’t remember you. If I have a son who forgets me, I won’t pray for him. But you prayed for me, and I promised to return with results,” he added.
Governor Okpebholo noted that the contractors had already mobilized to site with brand-new equipment, a sign he described as clear “capacity and readiness” to deliver.
He assured the residents that the road construction was just the beginning of several developmental projects planned for the area, emphasizing that his administration is determined to usher in a new era of transformation across Edo State.
In a broader political remark, the Governor said, “I am expecting 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 election. Let me assure you that the President is solidly behind the people of Edo.”
He added that the state had moved beyond excuses to performance, citing the ongoing Temboga Road construction in Benin City and the now rehabilitated Benin–Ekpoma Road, which has reduced travel time from hours to just 45 minutes.
“That same road once had a signboard reading ‘This is a Federal Road. Bear with us.’ Today, there’s no need for such excuses—we are fixing it,” he said.
Also speaking at the event were Dr. Washington Osifo, Commissioner for Energy and Water Resources; Hon. Iredia Benjamin, Chairman of Uhunwonde Local Government; Hon. Kaycee Uhunoma Osamwonyi, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly; and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works.
The 14-kilometer road is projected to enhance agricultural movement, facilitate trade, and generally improve the quality of life for the residents of the ten benefiting communities.
