The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has inspected the second phase of road construction projects in Edo Central as part of ongoing efforts to expand infrastructure and stimulate economic activities in rural communities.
The development was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by the governor’s aide, Patrick Ebojele, who said the inspection covered key routes including the Amedokhian–Iruele–Awo Road and the Unewa–Ohe–Uzea–Awo Road, located in Esan North East and Esan Central local government areas.
According to the statement, the exercise marks the commencement of a new phase of road development following the completion of earlier segments within the region.
Speaking during the inspection, Okpebholo explained that the initiative is designed to build on the gains of the first phase while improving connectivity across underserved communities.
“The reason for this inspection is because the first section is already done. This is the second phase. From here, we are taking it to Awo, where the railway station is.
It’s about a 26-kilometre stretch in all. By the end of the day, we should be able to link up with other communities,” he said.
The governor noted that the project would connect more than 15 communities, significantly improving access and opening up the area for development.
“We are going to be linking almost over 15 communities around this area so that we will be able to open up this place,” he added.
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Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Projects Implementation and Monitoring, Phoebe Williams-Bello, said the project is expected to boost rural mobility and support agricultural productivity by improving access to farms and markets.
She described the area as largely undeveloped but rich in potential, adding that contractors have already commenced preliminary assessments ahead of full-scale construction.
“This road will be connecting over 15 communities and will lead to the railway at Ohe. We are also trying to open up roads to government farms around this area.
What we are basically doing is to connect from the city and enhance intra-transport for farmers and residents,” she said.
Williams-Bello added that the government is committed to accelerating the project, noting that multiple contractors may be engaged to ensure timely delivery.
The inspection highlights the administration’s broader focus on infrastructure as a driver of rural-urban integration and economic growth.
Since assuming office, Okpebholo has prioritised road construction and rehabilitation across the state, with ongoing projects including the near-completion of a flyover at Ikpoba Hill and the commencement of another on Sapele Road.