Edo: A Transition from Potholes to Smooth Roads - the Okpebholo touch

 

Edo State, strategically positioned as a link state, faced a significant challenge due to its dilapidated road network for eight years under former governor Godwin Obaseki.

The state's crucial role in facilitating trade and commerce between neighbouring states and regions was severely hindered by the poor condition of roads. 

For motorists and other road users, the experience of plying roads was nothing short of harrowing, with many connective roads to other states in a state of disrepair.

The last eight years of governance in Edo State, led by Godwin Obaseki, gave little attention to the state and federal road infrastructure, despite its economic importance.

The neglects resulted in

potholes and craters made travelling difficult and hazardous.

The poor road conditions had led to increased travel time, affecting productivity and efficiency of motorists and other road users. The state's economic potential was hindered by the poor road network, discouraging investment and trade.

During the period under review, the people of Edo State and neighbours had demanded action from the government to address the state's road crisis, but fell into deaf ears. 

The Benin-Warri- Sapele express road, Benin-Agbor-Asaba and Benin-Auchi-Abuja express roads were no-go areas.

Most times, motorists spent a whole day plying a road that shouldn't take up to two hours to get to warri and six hours to Abuja. 

Governor Godwin Obaseki's administration was criticized for its handling of Edo State's dilapidated road network. 

Despite the state's economic importance, Obaseki's response to the crisis had been the claim that the roads were the responsibility of the federal government.

This excuse frustrated the residents who felt they were suffering due to the governor's lack of initiative.

Some critics argue that Obaseki's administration only shifted the blame to the Federal Government, rather than taking proactive steps to address the issue through open collaboration. 

The only alternative that headlined the options that packed a punch was the emergence of Governor Monday Okpebholo, who immediately swung into actio to correct the errors of the Obaseki administration.

Governor Monday Okpebholo's administration since then has made significant strides in improving the deplorable road networks and Edo State's infrastructure, particularly in road linking neighbouring states. 

Despite being a new administration, Okpebholo has shown commitment to funding road projects by demonstrating a focus on progress over politics.

Governor okpebholo has moved away from cruel vindictive politics where the former administration was always given the impression that he could not get support to fix those roads because he was from an opposition party to the government at the central.

The former administration lived in illusion for all his actions that suggested that Edo state was in isolation for infrastructure development, which Governor Okpebholo has proven that the country can not been separated irrespective of the party line.

For the shortest of all sitting governors tenure, key road projects have been addressed while others are ongoing. Thet include the federal roads linking Delta on the warri axis, Benin Auchi, Abuja road, in the state while he has also completed some internal roads.

There is also the dualization and construction work that has resumed, with contractors working to expand the road up to the Ekewan Army Barracks

What about the Charismatic Renewal Road? A previously unmotorable 1.4 km road that is now under construction, with installation of side drainages and a retentive pond.

The Uteh-Upper Mission Road - a 4.7 km project is also underway, with 1.6 km of drainage work completed

Again, the Teboga-Upper Mission road construction, which is in progress, with a wide drainage system is being built to direct water to the nearby Ikpoba River

Okpebholo's administration has allocated N162 billion for road development across the state in the 2025 budget, highlighting his commitment to infrastructural development. The governor's bold move to revive Edo Line, a moribund state-owned transport company, further demonstrates his focus on progress and development.

Given Governor Okpebholo's recent efforts to address the state's dilapidated roads, including the construction of a flyover bridge at Ramat Park and ordering contractors back to sites, these headlines aim to capture the essence of his governance style and commitment to improving Edo's infrastructure.

The road revival plan has brought relief to residents, improving mobility and access to essential services.

With similar projects underway, citizens are optimistic about the future of Edo State under Okpebholo's leadership.