Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has flagged off the construction of a flyover bridge at Ramat Park, Benin City, the Edo State capital, as part of immediate efforts to reduce traffic congestion in the city.
Performing the ground-breaking ceremony, the governor said his administration will also construct two more flyover bridges at Dawson Road Junction and Sapele Road/Adesuwa Road Junction, all in Benin City.
Okpebholo stated in a release by his media aide, Fred Itua, that the completion of the Ramat Park Flyover will transform the socio-economic fortunes of the state capital and Edo State.
He described the Ramat Park as a gateway to Benin City and other parts of the country and that the construction of the bridge will provide ease of life for motorists in Benin City and commuters along the two corridors of the Benin-Auchi Expressway and Benin-Asaba Expressway.
“I warmly welcome you to the ground-breaking and flag-off ceremony of the construction of the Ramat Park Flyover here in Benin City.
“We have gathered to witness the beginning of a very important project that will transform the economy and social fortunes of our capital city and indeed Edo State. Ramat Park is a gateway to Benin City and other parts of the country.
“Therefore, the Ramat Park Flyover will provide a new lease of life for motorists in Benin City and communities along these two corridors; the Benin-Auchi Expressway and the Benin-Asaba Expressway.
“During our campaigns a few months ago, I specifically promised to construct flyovers to ease transportation and reduce the traffic gridlock in our city. Today, one week into my administration, we are here to fulfil that promise and deliver the dividends of democracy.
“This is the first flyover we are constructing and we are going to construct more. There will be one by Dawson Road Junction and another one by Sapele Road/Adesuwa Road Junction.
“Benin City was the first capital city of Africa when Europeans first came to the continent in the 14th Century. So, we must give the city a befitting facelift to also encourage the development of tourism.
“Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the Speaker and other honourable members of the state House of Assembly for their cooperation.
‘To the contractor, CCECC Nigeria Limited, we look forward to seeing you work day and night to meet the 18-month completion period.
“Let me assure Edo people that, in the execution of this project, my administration will abide by all relevant laws.
“To our motorists here, please bear with us, as you also make some sacrifices by being patient with the contractors throughout the next 18 months,” Okpebholo stated.
The daughter of a former governor of Edo State, Amen Ogbemudia who is resident in the area, thanked the governor for his visionary leadership which she said is fast bringing hope to Edo people.
She said Governor Okpebholo will perform well as the steps he has taken so far have shown that he means well for Edo people.
A youth from Oregbeni Community, the host community, Emmanuel Aigbogun, appreciated the governor for the bold step, adding that Okpebholo has written his name in gold through the construction of the bridge.
“You made a promise, and you are here to fulfill that promise today by doing the ground-breaking and flag off of the Ramat Park Flyover. We are behind you and will continue to support your administration,” he said.
In another development, Governor Monday Okpebholo has sworn in the new state Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, with a charge to take the health sector to the next level.
The swearing in, held at the Executive Chambers of the Government House, had in attendance the state deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Gani Audu; Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, and permanent secretaries, among others.
In his charge to the new commissioner, Governor Okpebholo highlighted the many challenges facing the health sector in the state. He directed Dr Oshiomhole to hit the ground running, assuring him of the support of the administration to ensure that he succeeded in his assignment.
“You need to know that there are challenges ahead and we need to face the challenges head on and ensure a vibrant, efficient and effective healthcare sector in the state.
“We need to work hard, face the challenges and move the Ministry of Health forward. This is a challenge we must face and ensure our people receive quality healthcare. With hard work, commitment and dedication, we will deliver the dividends of democracy to Edo people,” Governor Okpebholo stated.
Responding, Dr Oshiomole thanked the governor for the privilege to serve the people of Edo State.
“I will do my best, put in my experiences and knowledge towards ensuring that Edo people enjoy quality healthcare services. I promise to do my best and work according to law,” he said.
