Governor Okpebholo Reaffirms Commitment to Artisans, Unveils Major Power and Infrastructure Plans for Edo Welders

Governor Okpebholo Reaffirms Commitment to Artisans, Unveils Major Power and Infrastructure Plans for Edo Welders

Razak Zekeri 

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has deepened his administration’s collaboration with the Edo State Welders Association, announcing far-reaching interventions aimed at improving the working conditions of artisans and accelerating industrial development across the state.

The governor made the pledge on Tuesday while hosting the executive members of the association, led by its State President, Mr. Peter Osagie, during a courtesy visit to Government House in Benin City.

Okpebholo acknowledged the vital contribution of welders and other skilled artisans to the state’s economy. He said his government is determined to provide the enabling environment and critical infrastructure required for small businesses to grow and flourish.

Addressing the challenge of unstable electricity, the governor disclosed that a 100-megawatt power plant is currently being developed in Ologbo. He expressed optimism that the project will be completed and connected to the grid by November, describing it as one of the largest power facilities in the state.

“We are ready to work with you. I understand the burden of poor power supply on your businesses. That is why we are fast-tracking a 100-megawatt power project in Ologbo,” Okpebholo stated.  

“In addition, we are planning similar power initiatives for Edo North and Edo Central. Our goal is to decentralize electricity supply and energize economic activities across all three senatorial districts.”

The governor further noted that the ongoing road projects across Edo were deliberately designed to ease movement of goods and services and to improve the quality of life for residents.  

“You voted for us to make life better, and that is exactly what we are doing. The roads being constructed are for the benefit of all Edo people,” he added.

On transportation infrastructure, Okpebholo assured that rehabilitation work on the Benin-Sapele Road is almost concluded, with about 90 percent of the project already delivered.

He reiterated his administration’s resolve to entrench inclusive governance and sustainable development.  

“My commitment is to leave Edo State better than I found it. We are investing heavily in infrastructure, strengthening security, and creating equal opportunities for everyone,” the governor said.

He also revealed plans to distribute new operational vehicles to all 18 local government councils soon. In addition, the state government will introduce about 200 mass transit buses through a flexible installment purchase scheme to ease transportation challenges.

Okpebholo called on members of the welders association to continue backing government policies. He described the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as bold steps meant to reposition the nation’s economy, noting that the new tax reform was tailored to ease the burden on low-income earners and drive long-term growth.

The governor also cautioned artisans against being used to cause unrest during elections, emphasizing that government exists to serve the people through cooperation and peace.

Earlier in his remarks, Mr. Peter Osagie commended Governor Okpebholo for his efforts in improving security and fostering a business-friendly climate in Edo.

Osagie said the association has developed architectural designs for modern bus terminals to be sited along the reconstructed Benin-Sapele Road. He appealed to the state government to support the establishment of a dedicated welders’ village to serve as a central hub for members.

He also sought government collaboration to scale up the association’s vocational training scheme targeted at out-of-school youths across the 18 local government areas.  

“We have a detailed training plan to reach every LGA and reduce the number of out-of-school children. We are asking the government to partner with us to train more youths and equip them with employable skills,” he said.

The association president pledged the loyalty of the association’s over 15,000 members to the Okpebholo administration and assured of their support for the re-election bid of President Tinubu.