The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has commissioned 54 construction equipment procured by the Edo State Government for its 18 local government councils, describing the initiative as a significant boost to grassroots economic development.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony in Benin City, Wike commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for prioritising rural infrastructure and local economic empowerment, noting that the intervention would accelerate development across communities.
He stated that strengthening local government capacity remains essential for inclusive economic growth and improved living standards, adding that the governor’s approach reflects a strong commitment to community-based development.
Wike also referenced ongoing infrastructure efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that recent political developments reflect growing public confidence in the administration’s policies.
Governor Okpebholo described the distribution of the equipment as a strategic move to deepen governance at the grassroots and expand development beyond urban centres. He explained that the initiative aligns with his administration’s SHINE Agenda, which focuses on infrastructure expansion, sanitation improvement, and rural accessibility.
According to the governor, the machines will be deployed for road construction, drainage projects, environmental sanitation, and other infrastructure programmes across communities. He emphasised that the equipment must be used transparently for the benefit of residents.
The Senator representing Edo North, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, said the initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the welfare of citizens and enhancing development outcomes across the state.
Also speaking, the Edo State chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Sunny Ekpeson, noted that the programme would strengthen service delivery across local councils and support the federal government’s development agenda.
The state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarret Tenebe, reiterated the party’s commitment to sustainable development and effective governance in Edo.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor, members of the State Assembly, council chairmen, and government officials, who described the commissioning as a major step toward improving infrastructure delivery and economic growth at the grassroots level.
