Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has hailed President Bola Tinubu as the 'right driver' to lead Nigeria toward progress, emphasizing the president's financial backing for the state's development initiatives. During a visit to the Uwelu Spare Parts Market on Friday, Okpebholo attributed Edo's infrastructure and economic projects to Tinubu's support, stating, 'Nigeria is like a vehicle that needs a good and qualified driver, and President Tinubu is the right driver to take the nation to the right destination.'
The governor announced a ₦100 million grant for traders at the market to stimulate commercial activity and pledged to reconstruct the Uwasota-Uwelu Road, which he plans to oversee personally. Okpebholo also committed to addressing the condition of a secondary school in the area, vowing to return to assess contractor progress and flag off the projects by 2026. 'I will come back to check if contractors have started work on the Uwasota-Uwelu Road and the secondary school,' he said, according to a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele.
Okpebholo highlighted his administration's ability to meet salary obligations for public workers, including a 13th-month payment, citing Tinubu's support. The State Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sylvester Aigboboh, praised the governor's focus on infrastructure, citing ongoing projects such as the 80% complete Sapele Road reconstruction and the nearly commissioned Amofin Road. Aigboboh also noted the completion of Uteh Palace Road and Temboga Road, emphasizing the administration's commitment to improving Edo's connectivity.
The Uwelu Spare Parts Market Chairman, Osemwengie Enogumwengie, welcomed the governor's visit but urged the reconstruction of the Uwasota-Egor Road, which he said hindered business operations. Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Ethics and Nationality, Oli Martin, praised the APC's inclusivity, citing the appointment of an Igbo commissioner, and pledged that Edo's 2.5 million votes for Tinubu in 2027 would be secured through the market's support.
Edo Local Government Council Chairman Osaro Eribo confirmed that his administration would prioritize road repairs, including the Uwasota Road, and pledged to align local efforts with the governor's state-level initiatives. Okpebholo was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Yakubu Musa, APC figures, and former deputy governor Pius Odubu during the visit.
The governor's remarks came as First Lady Oluremi Tinubu is set to visit Edo State on October 15 to inaugurate 50 compressed natural gas buses aimed at reducing transportation costs. The event underscores the political and developmental synergy between the Tinubu administration and Edo State's leadership.
Okpebholo's visit and promises reflect broader public-interest implications, including infrastructure development, economic empowerment, and political mobilization ahead of the 2027 elections. The governor's emphasis on collaboration with traders and local authorities highlights efforts to strengthen public-private partnerships and ensure sustained growth in the state.
The article underscores the interplay between federal and state governance in Nigeria, with Okpebholo positioning Tinubu's leadership as pivotal to Edo's progress. The focus on road infrastructure, salary payments, and electoral strategies underscores the administration's dual emphasis on immediate development and long-term political objectives.
Edo State's ongoing projects, including the Sapele and Amofin Road upgrades, demonstrate the tangible outcomes of federal-state coordination. The governor's commitment to addressing local challenges, such as the Uwasota-Uwelu Road's condition, reflects a strategy to enhance economic activity and public satisfaction.
The APC's role in mobilizing support, as highlighted by Aigboboh and Martin, underscores the political dimensions of Edo's development agenda. The emphasis on inclusive appointments and voter mobilization aligns with broader party strategies to consolidate support for Tinubu's re-election bid.