By Jude Opara, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has hailed the infrastructural revolution of Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo state, with special reference to the ongoing construction of the state’s first-ever flyover bridge, which he described as a landmark intervention that will ease urban traffic and modernize transport system in the state.
Tinubu extolled the governor’s foresight in embarking on the one-kilometre project at Ikpoba Hill in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, adding that on completion the flyover would transform vehicular movement and strengthen the urban fabric of ancient city of Benin.
The President further praised Governor Okpebholo for his early performance in office, insisting that he had set a new standard of governance in Edo.
Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, emphasized that the governor’s bold approach to road and bridge construction in the State underscores the agenda of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Umahi said; “This is a 24-span structure, each span measuring 20 meters, amounting to a one-kilometre bridge. The quality and pace of work are impressive. Edo is witnessing a first, and I believe more such projects should follow in Benin City to address the heavy traffic”.
The Minister , a former governor of Ebonyi state while contrasting the efficiency of state-driven projects with some federal contracts, regretted that most often contractors tend to display greater discipline when working under governors than when handling federal projects.
“I commend Governor Okpebholo for insisting on concrete technology. Roads built with reinforced concrete last 50 to 100 years, saving scarce resources. Nigeria cannot continue to spend on recurring reconstruction. We must invest in durability,” Umahi stressed.
In his appreciation, a visibly excited Governor Okpebholo, thanked President Tinubu for his unwavering support to Edo State, crediting the President’s encouragement as a key factor behind his administration’s early successes.
“We are succeeding because of the President’s backing. His DNA of progressive leadership flows in us. I cannot sleep without thinking of what to do for my people. We will continue to embark on projects that directly improve the lives of Edo citizens,” the governor said.
Similarly, in a rare bipartisan endorsement, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, also commended the governor’s performance, adding that transformative governance transcends party differences.
“When Edo people are happy, Nigerians are happy. Development must proceed state by state to truly reform the country,” Sowunmi concluded.
