In a major move to address persistent traffic congestion in Benin City, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has flagged off rehabilitation works on the old Sapele Road and other key adjoining roads in the metropolis.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the intervention is expected to provide immediate relief to commuters and ease traffic gridlock across the Sapele Road axis and other high-traffic areas within the city.
Several sites have been identified for urgent work, including Evbukhu, Ogheghe, Catholic Charismatic Way, Upper Ekenhuan Road, Ugbiyoko, and the Old Sapele Road itself. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to create alternative routes and reduce the pressure on main roads.
“These projects are for the benefit of Edo people,” Governor Okpebholo said during an inspection tour. “We are deploying the increased federal allocations wisely to grow our economy and improve the quality of life.”
He acknowledged the recent boost in federal allocations under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the additional resources are being channeled into critical infrastructure projects that directly impact residents.
The governor explained that the Old Sapele Road, once rehabilitated, will serve as a vital diversion route, reducing the heavy volume of traffic on major thoroughfares and improving access across the city.
In a pointed remark, he criticized the previous administration, questioning how federal funds were managed under former governor Godwin Obaseki. “What we are doing is visible. Edo people should ask what was done with previous allocations,” he said.
He also called on citizens to unite in the state’s development efforts. “Edo belongs to all of us. No one will come from another state to develop it for us. We must join hands to move our state forward,” he added.
The roadworks are projected to significantly decongest traffic and enhance mobility for both residents and commercial operators in the affected areas.