By our reporter
Journalists have concluded a two-day inspection tour of major road construction projects across Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts, witnessing first-hand the scale and pace of infrastructure development being executed by the Edo State Government under Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The media tour, organised by the Edo State Ministry of Works, covered projects in Etsako Central, Etsako West, Esan Central, Esan West, Esan North East and Igueben Local Government Areas.
The inspection featured completed roads, ongoing construction sites and newly initiated projects aimed at improving connectivity and boosting economic activities across the state.
On the first day, journalists visited the 7.66-kilometre access road to Edo Technical College, Ogbona, alongside internal township roads in Etsako Central, being constructed by Prospective Multi-link Limited. The team also inspected the 7.67-kilometre Ikabigbo–Ekperi Road, which links Etsako West and Etsako Central, and is being executed by Fenix Engineering Construction Limited.
Another major highlight was the ongoing gully reclamation and flood channelisation works at Afashio, Idatto, Ikabigbo and Ayogwiri along the Auchi–Agenebode Road in Etsako West.
The intervention, being undertaken by Amirco Universal Concept Limited, is designed to halt erosion and protect surrounding communities from further environmental degradation.
The inspection also took the team to the 9-kilometre Irrua–Akho–Illeh–Ukhun Road in Esan Central, being handled by Place of Peace Investment Limited, and the 9.2-kilometre Irrua–Illeh–Usenu–Ukhun Road, which traverses Esan Central and Esan West and is under construction by Mcfran Environmental Resources Limited.
On the second day, journalists toured eight additional projects, including the expansive 21.98-kilometre Ukhun–Idoa–Ewu Road with nine spurs across Esan West and Esan Central, being executed by Nibraco Agencies Limited, and the Ukpoke–Uhiele Road in Esan West, handled by Roadwell Contracting Limited.
The tour also showcased completed projects, including Prince Jimoh Momodu Road in Irrua, delivered by Altin Engineering and Services Limited, as well as Iyoha Street, Isikhuemwen Street and three connecting spurs in Akho-Irrua, completed by Tapeema Nigeria Limited.
Other projects inspected included the Akho–Agua–Ehanle–Ewu Road under Roadwell Contracting Limited, and three landmark road projects being delivered by Setraco Nigeria Limited: the 31.73-kilometre Ekpoma–Uromi–Ubiaja Road, the 33.53-kilometre Uromi–Onewa–Udomi corridor with its associated spurs and link roads, and the 55-kilometre Ewu–Uromi–Ekpon Road spanning Esan Central, Esan North East and Igueben Local Government Areas.
Speaking during the inspection, the Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Works commended Governor Okpebholo for prioritising road infrastructure development across the state, describing the projects as people-focused and transformative. He noted that the commitment displayed by contractors reflected the governor’s determination to ensure timely delivery of quality infrastructure.
On the Afashio gully reclamation project, the Permanent Secretary said the governor acted swiftly by mobilising personnel and equipment to reclaim the erosion site and construct proper drainage channels, preventing further destruction and safeguarding affected communities.
Contractors at the various sites praised the governor for creating an enabling environment for project execution and expressed confidence in delivering durable roads within the agreed timelines. Many disclosed they were taking advantage of the current dry season to accelerate construction.
Residents in the communities visited expressed appreciation to the state government, noting that several of the roads had remained impassable for years before the present intervention. Communities around the Afashio gully site particularly lauded the governor’s prompt response, saying the erosion had threatened to cut them off from neighbouring towns and essential services before work commenced.
The media tour formed part of the Ministry of Works’ commitment to promoting transparency and keeping the public informed about the progress of road infrastructure projects across Edo State.