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…As Agbebaku says, Edo residents are desperate to put flyover into use
From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Atu Osamwonyi, has described several ongoing infrastructural projects embarked upon by Governor Monday Okpebholo, as unprecedented in the annal of the state.
Hon. Osamwonyi, who led members of the legislature on a comprehensive oversight inspection of several ongoing infrastructural projects in Benin, spoke during an assessment tour of the Sapele Road Flyover.
He said the lawmakers were on the field to verify the progress of work and ensure that funds appropriated by the Assembly were being judiciously used.
According to him, the flyover represents a milestone for Benin City and reflects the governor’s commitment to infrastructural renewal.
He emphasised that unlike past administrations where funds were approved with no tangible results, the Okpebholo-led government had demonstrated transparency and visible delivery.
The Deputy Speaker added that the Assembly had earlier inspected the Ramat Park Flyover on Monday, noting similar levels of progress.
At Ogheghe, Old Sapele Road and Ekae Road—where a 14-kilometre road and concrete drainage network is underway—Hon. Osamwonyi described the construction efforts as unprecedented, expressing astonishment at the level of work done within a short period.
He further remarked that despite limited financial resources, the governor had delivered projects many believed were impossible.
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The Deputy Speaker recalled that several communities, particularly in Ogheghe, previously suffered from severe road degradation that made access impossible, even for motorcycles.
According to him, contractors handling the projects confirmed that although the initial timeline was two years, work would likely be completed within one year and six months due to the speed of implementation.
The oversight team also visited the 5.86-kilometre road project linking Amagba and Obagie-N’Ebvuosa, where the engineer handling the project reported that 4.3 kilometres of drainage had already been completed.
Commissioner for Works, Engr. Felix Akhabue, who accompanied the legislators, said the governor had given strict directives to monitor all contractors and ensure adherence to specifications.
He confirmed that the Ministry of Works had been following the Adesuwa Junction Flyover construction “bumper to bumper.”
He noted that the House of Assembly’s involvement strengthens accountability.
“The lawmakers did not just appropriate funds; they want to see how the money is being used. Their presence keeps us on our toes because Edo people are waiting for the completion of these projects,” he said.
Akhabue added that although the flyover was originally scheduled for completion in 24 months, the current pace suggests that delivery would be earlier than projected.
Earlier, the Speaker of the house, Blessing Agbebaku said that the residents of the state are in a hurry to put the flyover into use, urging the contractor handling the project to increase their pace of work.
