When Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, made an unplanned visit of the Ramat Park flyover project, which is currently around 90% finished, inhabitants of Ikpoba Hill in the Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area erupted in wild celebration.
Market ladies, vendors, drivers, locals, and business owners all clapped and sung in celebration of what many referred to as a historic infrastructure project intended to reduce traffic congestion along the popular axis, creating a carnival-like atmosphere.
Governor Okpebholo, who was beaming, thanked the crowd for their support and welcomed the applause, adding that the flyover is a part of his administration’s efforts to improve Edo State’s road infrastructure and fulfill campaign pledges.
Following the trip, Okpebholo spoke to reporters and expressed his satisfaction with the contractor’s work’s caliber and speed.
“The job is moving along nicely, and thus far, we are happy with the pace and quality. Ten percent or so of the project remains. It ought to be finished in the upcoming month or two,” he remarked.
“We’re trying our hardest for the Edo people. The contractor is delivering and meeting our quality standards. We will keep making sure that every job that is carried out satisfies the necessary standards.
He thanked locals for their support and patience despite acknowledging the short-term traffic issues brought on by the ongoing development.
Edo residents have shown their support despite the construction-related traffic jams. They are pleased because they can see how our actions are having an impact. A lot of people in the state have never seen this project before,” he continued.
Governor Okpebholo also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his assistance with Edo State’s development initiatives.
“We appreciate the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That sponsorship makes the resources we are using for this and other projects possible. He claimed that Edo State was making great progress.
The governor was commended by some locals who spoke during the visit for starting what they called people-focused programs.
The flyover is a huge relief for local commuters and business owners, according to shopkeeper Josephine Isaac.
We have never witnessed anything like this. This administration has demonstrated that the needs of the people come first. We are grateful for the governor’s hard effort,” she remarked.
According to Mr. Frank Ojekata, a commercial driver on the Ikpoba Hill route, the project would also permanently alleviate the area’s chronic traffic congestion.
“This flyover would lessen the traffic issue we have had for many years. He remarked, “This is a legacy project.”
Upon completion, the Ramat Park flyover is anticipated to greatly enhance traffic flow and stimulate commercial activity in the vicinity of Ikpoba Hill and surrounding Benin City communities.
APC State Deputy Chairman Sylvester Aigboboh, APC Edo Central Senatorial Leader Gen. Cecil Esekhagbe (rtd), Special Adviser on Projects Implementation and Monitoring Engineer Phoebe Williams-Bello, and other senior government officials accompanied the governor on the inspection.
