The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Wednesday, flagged off the construction of 20km Iyekogba Road, Benin City, noting that the road construction project will open up and bring further development to over 33 communities within the axis.
The governor was accompanied by the Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Osaigbovo Iyoha, as well as serving commissioners and other top government functionaries.
“This afternoon, we are here to fulfill the promise made a few years ago during my first visit. I was here and shocked as to why government abandoned a valuable area like Iyekogba. The historical importance of this route and road to the success of the great Benin Empire can’t be over-emphasized.
“We have seen how we have been struggling to cope with the influx of people into Edo State as we have stopped planning for many years. What we have now is a City planned for half a million people now containing over 2.5 million people and it has been putting pressure on this axis of the City.
“As a politician from Oredo, we know the value of Iyekogba and know what happens in the 33 communities in these areas during elections. The only way to pay you back for your loyalty and commitment is to bring development to this area. I am here today to personally flag off this project and to assure you that we will finish construction of this road before leaving office. This is the reason why I am giving the job to two contractors.”
Obaseki, who thanked the Enigie, leaders and youths of the community for providing land for the development extension, assured the people that the development will bring more jobs for the people.
He said, “I thank the Enigie and the people of the Community for graciously making land available as we want to extend Benin to this axis also. We are building a new town that will occupy almost 500 hectares like we are doing in Irhirhi along this axis. It will bring jobs and development. We will work and plan with you to make this area a modern City.
“I have approved that the Ministry of Physical Planning to help plan and design the City well for us as you will see planes fly over this area; no need to be afraid. I am here to flag off this road and assure you that we will finish the road and ask for your support and cooperation as we bring development to the people in this area. This road will be finished before leaving office.”
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Roads and Bridges, Ethan Uzamere said the road is strategic, will connect 33 communities and engender economic development in the areas.
Uzamere noted, “This road will open up 33 communities and will open the area to economic development. You promised the Community to develop the area and you are keeping to your campaign promises. One of your legacy projects is the Gelegele Sea Port and this is a route to Gelegele.”
The contractor handling the project, Eric Ebosele, represented by Engr. Tiamiyu Ibrahim while commending the governor said, “The Iyekogba Road project is 20km with a spur to Ekenwan Road. Just like our other projects in the State, we assure you that we will deliver this project in record time.”
On his part, Leader of Oredo Legislative Arm, Hon. Harrison Izekor noted, “We are happy that for over 30 years we have been on this journey for the government to rescue us but to no avail but we are grateful for your intervention. We know and assure the people that by the time this road project is completed, another 10,000 jobs will have been created. We promised to stand behind you and support you to produce a successor.”
Also, the Enogie of Umegben Dukedom, Osayemwenre Anthony Osagie, commended the governor for the project, acknowledging its economic benefits.
He stated, “We thank you for this project. We started celebrating since yesterday when the commissioner told us that you will be coming yourself to flag off this road today.
“Government has come and gone but no one has rescued us. Some came for eight years, promised and did nothing but we thank you so much for what you have done for us as you have put smiles on our faces.”
