Completion Of Key Road Projects Brings Relief To Edo Central, North Communities

Ighomuaye Lucky Reporting

AKHO-IRRUA, EDO – Residents of Akho-Irrua in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State have welcomed the ongoing road construction projects in the community, describing them as a significant milestone that will boost economic activities and improve residents’ quality of life.

According to the residents, the improved road network will ease transportation, enhance access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities, stimulate business activities, attract investment, and open up new economic opportunities for the area.

A resident, Mrs. Melody Ediale, described the projects as a long-awaited intervention, expressing confidence that the upgraded road infrastructure would improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and accelerate the community’s development.

Similarly, residents of Udomi community praised the road projects, saying they have transformed the once-neglected area. Mrs. Okoduwa Doris recalled that the community had endured years of poor road infrastructure but noted that the ongoing construction has changed its landscape.

“The community has become a sight to behold,” she said, adding that the improved roads are already restoring hope and raising expectations of sustained socio-economic growth.

She commended the state governor for initiating and executing such impactful projects, particularly in his own community.

In Ogbona, Etsako Central Local Government Area of the state, residents also applauded the ongoing road construction project in the community, describing it as a landmark intervention.

One of the residents, Mr. Loveth Ekhasemome, said the project is the first of its kind in many years, recalling that the last major road construction undertaken in the community was executed by Mr. Peter Demian several years ago.

He commended the state governor for extending developmental projects to Ogbona, noting that the inclusion of the community in the administration’s infrastructure drive reflects a commitment to equitable development.

Ekhasemome expressed optimism that the road project would improve transportation, stimulate economic activities, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.

Speaking on the level of work completed, the Project Manager of Fenix Engineering Construction Ltd., the company handling the Ikabigbo-Ekperi Road project, which cuts across Etsako West and Etsako Central Local Government Areas of the state, Engr John Odjirigho, said the 7.67-kilometre road construction contract was awarded on January 27, 2026, and that the company mobilised to the site shortly afterwards.

He said the project has so far achieved 100 percent completion of site and bush clearance along the road corridor, about 70 percent completion of the concrete drains, completion of three out of eight culverts, and approximately 2 kilometres of earthworks.

Odjirigho said that due to the rainy season, the team is monitoring weather conditions before commencing additional stone base works.

He added that the company’s target is to complete 1.5 kilometres of asphalt, including the wearing course, by mid-August.

He noted that the project is progressing well despite weather challenges and that the working environment remains conducive.

He expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government and assured residents that the project would be delivered with quality workmanship.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Engr. John Obanor, having taken his tour round the Edo North senatorial district and the Edo Central senatorial district, commended the governor’s commitment to road infrastructure, noting that the administration’s dedication and determination have resulted in quality execution and visible progress.

He highlighted that several projects, including Prince Jim Road, Prince Harrison Road, Iyoha Road, and Varsity Road, have been completed, while others are at various stages of completion.

He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work carried out by the contractors and said more projects are expected