Edo community Lauds Gov. OKpebholo Developmental Stride
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin city
The people of Egoro Na-oka Community, in Egoro Kingdom, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, have lauded the developmental stride of his Excellency, Senator Monday OKpebholo.
The indigenes of the Community applaud the governor’s major projects as a step towards fulfilling the administration’s commitment to opening up rural communities and connecting residents to greater economic opportunities.
They gave the commendations at the Uhiele-Egoro-Naoka-Ebudin road flag-off ceremony.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony,
Sir Francis Iria Aikhu, the Chairman Egoro Na-oka Development Association, EDA, said, praise must go to the Governor for the bold courage to take the bull by the horn.
Aikhu, described governor Monday OKpebholo’s construction of the Uhiele-Egoro-Naoka-Ebudin road as a historic intervention, noting that its completion would improve access to markets, strengthen transportation networks and create better opportunities for farmers, traders, young people and families along the road corridor.
According to Aikhu, ‘governor OKpebholo’s administration does not allow political disagreements to determine the distribution of infrastructure and other development projects across the state.”
He said the Egoro Na-oka road had remained a major challenge for residents for several decades, explaining that its deplorable condition had affected transportation, wastage of agricultural products, healthcare delivery and other socioeconomic activities.
He said, “the governor has shown the true leadership of a father who takes responsibility in caring for all his children,” he stated.
He appealed to all the Indigenes of Egoro Na-oka both home and abroad to key into the governor’s SHINE agenda.
“Please love development as the governor will not be distracted,” he declared
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and economic reforms, expressing appreciation for the Federal Government’s support towards development at the state level.
“For so many years, the Egoro Na-oka road has been a nightmare, a story of pain and loss. It is a road that cuts off our people during the rainy season. Farmers lose their produce, mothers find it difficult to access hospitals, and our economic life is crippled by flooding and failed portions,” he said.
Also speaking, CSP John Akharaiyi (rtd) , President General EDA praised the governor for the development he has carried out in Egoro Na-oka Community since stepping in as the governor of Edo State.
He said Egoro Na-oka has become a mini London since the governor’s assumption of office. ” We are indeed grateful to His Excellency for giving the community the desired attention.”
Akharaiyi assured the Governor of massive votes for all the elections as it concerned him and his party APC,to his eight years rule in Edo state.
Earlier, Supl.Johson Oyamenda,(rtd) chronicled the long history of the Egoro Na-oka Community road. He said, “since I was born about 45 years ago my people have been begging for this road to be tarred.”
He stated that all efforts to make previous administration to come to the community’s aid failed, adding that within his two years in office, “the amiable governor has given us everything that we need.”
The chairman, Esan West Local Government Council, Honourable Blessing Albert Ebhodaghe
expressed appreciation to the Governor for commencing the project. The council chairman recalled that Governor OKpebholo had promised to construct the road from Uhiele to Ebudin in Esan Central Local Government Area.
He described the flag-off as the beginning of the fulfilment of that commitment, noting that the project would ease transportation and improve the living conditions of residents.
He pledged the support of the local government and community stakeholders towards the successful execution of the project.
Also speaking, the Chairman CEO of the construction Company, CLIFORDIA CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, the contracting firm handling the project, Engr. Clifford Ordia thanked the Edo State Government for the confidence reposed in the company and promised to complete the project within the stipulated period. He disclosed that the road project is 13-kilometre long.
The flag-off saw jubilation in the community that words can hardly capture. Egoro Na-oka erupted. Men, women, youths, elders, farmers, traders, mothers carrying babies, and traditional dancers poured out in their numbers, singing, drumming, dancing and praising God for a day they had waited for, prayed for, and almost gave up on.
The air was filled with songs of thanksgiving, the ground shook with dancing feet, and tears of joy flowed freely from eyes that had seen too many rainy seasons of suffering. For many, it was not just a road. It was dignity restored, hope rekindled, and people finally remembered.
His Highness Theophilus Osobase , the Onojie of Egoro Kingdom gave his royal blessings at the ceremony.
