Gov. Okpebholo Earns Praise from Sapele Road Bypass Axis Group Over Benin–Sapele–Ogheghe Road Construction …Assures Support for Second-Term Ambition

 

Residents along the Benin–Sapele Road, operating under the aegis of the Sapele Road Bypass Axis Group (SARBAG), have commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his intervention in the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Benin–Sapele–Warri Road.

The residents praised the governor for reviving economic activities along the Sapele Road bypass axis through the ongoing reconstruction of the road, noting that improved vehicular movement has significantly boosted trading and business activities across several communities.

They further assured the governor of their support for his second-term ambition, pledging to back him in the 2028 governorship election as a mark of appreciation for the infrastructural development enjoyed in the area under his administration.

Landlords and residents in the axis said the comprehensive overhaul of the federal road, recently taken over by the Edo State Government (EDSG) in collaboration with the Federal Government is expected, upon completion, to ease transportation and stimulate economic activities between Edo State and other states in the South-South and South-East geopolitical zones.

Media reports indicate that prior to Governor Okpebholo’s intervention, socio-economic activities along the Benin–Sapele–Warri Federal Road had been grounded for years due to its deplorable condition. This had sparked a series of protests by residents of over 20 communities along the corridor, drawing attention to the neglect by successive administrations.

The narrative around the Benin–Sapele Road—widely regarded as a critical economic corridor linking several states in southern Nigeria is now changing, with positive developments replacing years of decay.

To address the prolonged deterioration, Governor Okpebholo initiated a massive reconstruction of the Sapele Road, dispelling the long-held belief under the previous administration that the road was solely the responsibility of the Federal Government.

From Ekea, Peanut, PZ, Mousco, and Evbukhu to Ogheghe and several junctions along the route, relief is gradually returning as motorists and commuters now ply completed sections of the road, constructed using modern concrete pavement technology. The project also includes drainage systems designed to address flooding and reduce travel time.

At the Ogheghe axis, the governor is also constructing internal roads and rehabilitating the old Sapele Road, complete with hydrological structures aimed at mitigating flood devastation in the area.

Speaking to journalists, the Chairman of the Sapele Road Bypass Axis Group, Mr. Daniel Omoregbe, alongside the Secretary, Pastor Moses Omo-Osagiede, and Treasurer, Comrade Desmond Ekhator, who previously led protests in the area said the situation has significantly improved. 

They noted that beyond road reconstruction, the state government is complementing the project with surface and underground drainage systems.

They applauded the governor for his timely intervention, which they said has brought relief to residents and revitalised business activities.

They said, "We thank Governor Monday Okpebholo for his intervention on this road. There are visible changes. The road is now motorable, aiding smooth vehicular movement and boosting business and trading activities. We are fortunate to have a governor like Senator Monday Okpebholo,” 

A motorist, Hon. Lion Joseph Ogieva, also commended the governor for the intervention at the Ogheghe axis of the Benin–Sapele–Warri Road, which he described as having been in a deplorable state for many years.

He said the performance of the current administration far outweighs that of the previous one, particularly in road construction, adding that residents of the Sapele Road axis have greatly benefited.

According to him, the road, previously dismissed as a purely federal responsibility is now receiving the attention it deserves, a gesture he believes residents will remember in 2028.

Ogieva said, “For his performance, I will be in the forefront of his re-election in 2028. We cannot change a winning team. His administration has done well for our people. The Sapele Road axis, fixed through collaboration between the Edo State Government and the Tinubu administration, is a gateway to the South-South and South-East. This road will boost economic activities in the state,” 

As residents continue to enjoy the gains of the Edo infrastructure renewal drive spearheaded by Governor Okpebholo, they have been urged to sustain their support and cooperation to enable the administration fully implement its people-oriented programmes and policies under the SHINE Agenda.