Priest Commends Okpebholo Over Roads, Transformer, Humanitarian Support

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Parish Administrator of St. James the Greater Catholic Church, Ogbeson, Benin City, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Oyanoafoh, has commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his intervention in addressing the community’s electricity challenges and improving road infrastructure in the area.

Fr. Oyanoafoh gave the commendation on Saturday during the dedication of the church building by the Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Most Rev. Donatus Ogun, O.S.A., Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Uromi.

The priest said the church had appealed to Governor Okpebholo during its December 2025 harvest celebration over the poor electricity supply and deplorable condition of the road leading to the church.

According to him, the Governor responded promptly by providing a transformer to the community, which was delivered on December 23, 2025, while work also commenced on Electrics Road, leading to the church.

He also commended the Governor for the ongoing road rehabilitation and flyover projects across the state, noting that the interventions had significantly improved traffic flow and enhanced access to the Ogbeson area.

Fr. Oyanoafoh recalled that some visitors had previously avoided the church because of the deplorable state of the access road, but said the situation had changed with the improved infrastructure and ongoing projects in the area.
“We thank him immensely for what is happening on our roads, the flyovers and the first flyover in our state. Another flyover is also coming up on Sapele Road and we are grateful to him,” he said.

The priest further appreciated Governor Okpebholo for his humanitarian gesture in settling the hospital bill of a child who underwent surgery, describing the intervention as another demonstration of his concern for the wellbeing of Edo residents.

In his remarks, the Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Most Rev. Donatus Ogun, O.S.A., Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Uromi, offered prayers for the protection, wisdom and success of Governor Okpebholo as he continues to serve the people of Edo State.

Responding, Governor Okpebholo pledged to sustain work on the ongoing road projects in Ogbeson, assuring residents that they would witness further progress before the end of the year. “By the grace of God, between now and December, you will see work going on,” he said.