By Rosemary Okoduwa
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has commissioned 54 construction equipment procured by the Edo State Government for deployment across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state, describing the initiative as a bold step toward deepening grassroots economic development.
According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Patrick Akhere Ebojele, PhD, the commissioning ceremony held in Benin City underscored the Okpebholo administration’s commitment to strengthening local government capacity and accelerating rural infrastructure development.
Speaking at the event, Wike commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for prioritising rural development and equipping local councils with the machinery required to deliver tangible results.
“You have demonstrated that you love the economy of the local government. You have demonstrated that development must go to the rural areas,” Wike said, noting that sustainable growth must begin from the grassroots.
The Minister also referenced ongoing development efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that visible governance and infrastructural expansion remain central to national progress.
In his remarks, Governor Okpebholo described the handover of the equipment as a strategic intervention aligned with his administration’s SHINE Agenda.
“Today marks a significant step in our commitment to grassroots development in Edo State,” the governor said. “Development must not be concentrated at the centre; it must reach every village, every community and every ward. Our local governments must have the capacity to deliver practical governance for the Edo people.”
He emphasised that the equipment comprising road construction and earth moving machines as well as sanitation support tools are strictly for public service.
“These machines are tools of transformation. They are meant to open rural roads, improve drainage, support sanitation, and accelerate local infrastructure delivery. They are not for show. They are not for storage. They are for work,” he stated, adding that the equipment belongs to the people of Edo State and must be deployed transparently and properly maintained.
Also speaking, Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, said governance demands political will and identification with the needs of ordinary citizens.
“By the governor’s actions, he is demonstrating that under his watch the local government will be developed in Edo State. Gov. Okpebholo is changing the narrative, bringing development to Edo people across all sectors,” he said.
On behalf of the 18 council chairmen, the ALGON Chairman and Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area, Hon. Sunny Ekpeson, described the commissioning as evidence of practical governance and alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda, assuring that council leaders would ensure effective utilisation of the equipment.
The Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, said the initiative reflects the party’s commitment to visible development and urged continued support for the administration.
Also speaking, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Edesili Anani Okpebholo, commended the governor for promoting inclusive governance and strengthening women’s participation in public affairs, noting improvements in security, healthcare and agriculture across the state.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, members of the State Assembly, council chairmen, party leaders and other stakeholders.
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