The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has inaugurated 54 construction machines acquired by the Edo State Government for distribution to the 18 local government areas, describing the move as a significant step toward stimulating economic activities at the grassroots.
Speaking during the official commissioning of the equipment on Monday in Benin City, Edo State Wike praised Okpebholo for what he called a deliberate focus on rural transformation and inclusive growth, noting that the deployment of the equipment would fast-track infrastructure delivery and economic expansion in local communities.
He said the governor had shown unwavering backing for the local government system and demonstrated a well-defined strategy for broad-based development.
According to him, prioritising rural communities would deepen economic resilience and raise the standard of living for residents at the grassroots.
Wike also referenced ongoing infrastructure strides under President Bola Tinubu, stating that recent electoral victories in the Federal Capital Territory underscored citizens’ approval of the administration’s achievements.
In his remarks, Governor Okpebholo described the release of the equipment as a calculated effort to reinforce local council administration and extend development initiatives to rural areas across Edo State.
He said the move was in line with his administration’s SHINE Agenda, stressing that growth and progress should not be limited to urban centres but must spread to every village, ward and community.
The governor explained that the machinery would be utilised to construct and rehabilitate rural roads, improve drainage systems, boost sanitation efforts and hasten infrastructure projects at the local level.
He emphasised that the equipment was procured strictly for operational purposes and must be handled with transparency to serve the public interest.
Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, said the governor’s initiative reflected a firm resolve to uplift ordinary citizens, adding that the intervention was already reshaping the state’s development trajectory.
Speaking on behalf of the 18 council chairmen, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria in Edo State and head of Etsako East Local Government Area, Sunny Ekpeson, described the unveiling as a landmark moment for grassroots governance and a boost to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Ekpeson said the availability of the machines would empower local councils to execute tangible projects and enhance service delivery in their domains.
The Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Jarrett Tenebe, reaffirmed the party’s dedication to advancing accountable leadership and sustainable progress throughout the state.
Also addressing the gathering, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Edesili Anani Okpebholo, lauded the administration’s inclusive style of governance, particularly in the areas of women’s empowerment, security improvement, healthcare services and agricultural development.
Among dignitaries present were the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa; the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku; members of the State Assembly; local government chairmen; party leaders and other stakeholders.
