By Tony Osauzo, Benin
Road users in the Sapele Road area of Benin City and nearby parts of the Benin metropolis will soon find relief. Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo has started rehabilitating Old Sapele Road and other connecting roads. This effort aims to ease traffic congestion and reduce gridlock on main roads.
During a tour of ongoing road projects, the governor promised to use state revenues wisely to improve residents’ lives. He also assured Edo people of transparency and accountability. He visited sites including Evbukhu, Ogheghe, Old Sapele Road, Catholic Charismatic Way off Upper Ekenhuan Road, and Ugbiyoko, among others.
Pleased with the progress, Governor Okpebholo thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for increasing federal allocations to states. He said his administration is using funds from the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to grow Edo’s economy and enhance residents’ lives through practical governance.
The governor explained that, once completed, Old Sapele Road will divert traffic from the main road. This will reduce heavy vehicle movement and allow motorists to use alternative routes, significantly easing traffic gridlock.
“Whatever we are doing as an administration in Edo state, we are doing for the benefit of Edo people. The President has made it easy for us as he has increased federal allocation, and with that money, we are developing Edo state, working to improve the lives of Edo people,” Governor Okpebholo said.
“Former governor Godwin Obaseki received federal allocations also. He ought to have used the money to work for Edo people. He should be asked what he did with the money as my administration is working with our own, and all Edo people can see our projects across the state to improve their well-being.
“Edo belongs to us, and it is our responsibility as citizens of the state to unite and collaborate in developing and growing the economy for the benefit of all Edo people. We all need to join hands together to develop the state, as no one will do it for us if we do not. We cannot go to another state to bring people to develop our state for us, but we have no choice but to develop it ourselves through unity and collaboration,” he added.