The Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, has highlighted a series of infrastructure and social development projects executed by Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration, saying the government has transformed the state into “a construction site” within months of assuming office.
Afegbua made the remarks during an interview on Naija Unfiltered, a Symfoni podcast, where he defended the administration’s performance and dismissed claims that it has little to show since assuming office.
According to the commissioner, one of the government’s major achievements is the expansion of primary healthcare services across Edo State. He disclosed that 63 primary healthcare centres were completed and put into operation across the state’s 18 local government areas during the administration’s first year, adding that the number has since increased to more than 80 facilities.
“Our target is 146 primary healthcare centres. We have gone beyond the initial 63, and they are fully equipped with drugs and other facilities to provide quality primary healthcare services,” he said.
Afegbua also accused the previous administration of commissioning the Stella Obasanjo Hospital before it was fully completed, alleging that the Okpebholo government inherited over ₦7.3 billion in outstanding obligations on the project.
He said work has continued on the facility to make it fully operational for residents.
On infrastructure, the commissioner listed several road projects currently underway across the state, including the reconstruction of Sapele Road, which he said was abandoned by the previous administration after it was described as a federal road.
According to him, the road is now about 80 per cent completed, while construction of a new flyover at Aduwawa Junction is progressing simultaneously.
He also said the Ramat Park flyover is more than 90 per cent complete, noting that the bridge has already been asphalted and fitted with underground drainage channels to prevent flooding and preserve the structure.
Afegbua further revealed that the government carried out remedial work on the Benin–Ehor–Ekpoma Road, making the once impassable route accessible again for motorists.
He added that rehabilitation has also been undertaken along the Oluku–Afuze–Auchi corridor, while roads in Akoko-Edo and other parts of Edo North are either completed or at advanced stages of construction.
The commissioner also highlighted the reconstruction of several markets across the state.
He said the Oba Market, which was destroyed by fire under the previous administration, has been rebuilt and is about 95 per cent complete.
According to him, traders have expressed excitement over the quality of the new market, while Governor Okpebholo has assured them that the shops will be allocated to the original occupants.
Beyond Oba Market, Afegbua said the administration is also rebuilding the Ekpoma, Irua and Jattu markets to improve commercial activities in the affected communities.
In addition to infrastructure projects, the commissioner outlined some of the government’s social intervention programmes.
He disclosed that the state government had approved a ₦1 billion interest-free loan scheme for market women to support small businesses.
He also said Governor Okpebholo revived the Edo State Bursary Commission, allocated another ₦1 billion to the scheme and appointed a governing board to ensure eligible Edo students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria benefit from bursary payments.
Afegbua further stated that the administration has recruited more than 5,000 teachers and over 2,000 health workers to strengthen education and healthcare delivery across the state.
According to him, promotions that had been delayed for years within the civil service have also been implemented, while workers now receive their salaries consistently between the 21st and 22nd of every month.
Despite criticism from some groups, the commissioner maintained that Governor Okpebholo’s achievements are visible across Edo State.
“The volume of work and construction that are ongoing is massive. There is so much going on that it would be safe to conclude that Edo today is a construction site,” Afegbua stated.
