By Godspower Eguasa
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured residents of the Ikpako-Ajoki communities and environs, of the state government’s intensified efforts in ensuring that the ongoing construction of the 16.742km Ikpako-Ajoki road is delivered with the best quality materials, in line with standard practice, as the road plays a vital role in the economic growth and development of the State.
Obaseki disclosed this on Wednesday 31st May 2023, during an inspection visit to the project site which cuts across Ikpoba-Okha and Ovia North East local government areas of Edo State. With the Governor on the inspection visit, were the Chief Executive Officer of Sahara Group; Mr. Temitope Shonubi, Secretary to Edo State Government; Osarodion Ogie Esq., Chief of Staff to the Governor; Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha and other top government functionaries.
Obaseki during the inspection, noted that the road project when completed, will aid accessibility to the host communities, especially by the oil exploration company operating within the axis.
According to Obaseki, “This is a very important road project. It is important from two or more perspectives; first, we have an oil exploration company that is operating close by, around Ajoki, but because they had no road from Edo State, they used to go through Delta State to access their facility in Edo State.
“I have said under my watch as a Governor, it will not happen. That is why we are, for instance, constructing the road from Sobe to Sabogida-Ora which will stop us from going through Ondo State to come back into Edo State. So, this road is important to us because an economic activity that is being undertaken in Edo should be accessed from Edo State”.
“The second reason why this is important is that it is a very unique financing structure that we are using for this road project. It is a financing arrangement between the Edo State Ministry of Roads and Bridges, EDSOPADEC, and Sahara Energy.
“Because of this financing arrangement, the underlying owners or financiers need to be informed and shown what their money is being used for. So, that is why we brought the Chief Executive of Sahara Group who was here months ago with the GMD of NNPC to flag off this road”, Obaseki added.
Obaseki, while assuring the financial partners involved in the road project, of the state government’s track records in delivering projects with uttermost transparency, credibility, and accountability, noted that the Ikpako-Ajoki road construction project will not be treated differently, as the state is committed to accounting for every kobo spent in executing the project.
Obaseki said: “In our normal briefings and meetings on the update of the project, they kindly accepted to join us, to come on-site, to see how far they have gone and how their money is being spent. In Edo State, we are a very accountable government. Every kobo we earn from whatever source, we know it is our responsibility to account for it”.
Speaking also during the inspection visit, the CEO of Sahara Group, Mr. Temitope Shonubi, commended Governor Obaseki on his outstanding developmental strides in the state.
Shonubi said: “I want to first thank you for the opportunity to build this road. You know, when you said we should come and see what has been done, for us, we thought that, like some of the other projects we have done, it would not be this good.
“We want to try and ensure our legacy, alongside your legacy. Because while we are contributing to this project, we are not the biggest contributor; it is Edo State and its partners who are actually doing more.
“For us, we are happy and overjoyed and it is an honor and privilege to contribute to the community, to the government, and to the people of Edo State, to drive progress”.
Speaking on behalf of the communities, Secretary, Oduna Ward Communities, Comrade Ayetan Williams appreciated the Governor for the infrastructural intervention and efforts by the Governor to protect the forests in the communities.
According to Ayetan, “We want to appreciate your presence with us here today, we want to thank you for your giant strides, and for all the projects you have undertaken in this area, like the Gele-gele Seaport project. For this road, by the time it is completed, it is going to be a very big plus to your administration because all this while, people in this interior have been finding it so difficult to come to this place. So, by the time this road is opened up, it will be a very big privilege to our people here.
“I also want to appreciate you even as you try to protect our forest. I heard you set up a committee to monitor the forest. You see all these areas were big forests, but they are trying to degrade them. So, we want to thank you for that giant move to protect it”.
Governor Obaseki also assured residents in the state, of the state government’s determination to complete the Ekenhuan Road project before the end of his administration.
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