The Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Projects Implementation and Monitoring, Engr. Ufoma Bello, has reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration to driving infrastructural development across the state.
Bello made this known during the first quarterly stakeholders’ engagement, held at the Government House in Benin City, emphasizing that infrastructure remains a key pillar of the governor’s development agenda.
“Governor Okpebholo’s administration has a clear mandate to drive infrastructural development in Edo State,” Bello stated, noting that the administration is committed to delivering projects that meet international standards and foster sustainable growth.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including staff from the Edo State Ministry of Works, the Edo State Public Buildings and Maintenance Agency (EDPUBMA), and the Projects Implementation and Monitoring Department, to ensure a collaborative approach towards infrastructural progress in the state.
Bello challenged directors and permanent secretaries in the Ministry of Works to work closely with her office to ensure timely completion and quality assurance of all projects initiated by the governor. “This collaboration will guarantee that we avoid white elephant projects and that every project handed over to the public is delivered on schedule and built to last,” she added.
She stressed the importance of community feedback in project implementation, urging host communities to actively engage with the government. “When the Edo State Government invests in a project, it’s not just about completion—it’s about creating value for the people. We need feedback from all stakeholders to ensure smooth execution and long-lasting infrastructure,” Bello emphasized.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Engr. John Obanor, described the engagement as a “family forum” designed to foster synergy among departments and align with the governor’s infrastructural vision. “This forum allows us to chart a collective course for development, ensuring that we meet the expectations of the administration and the people of Edo State,” Obanor said.
The stakeholders’ meeting outlined key objectives, including the contracting, monitoring, and evaluation of major infrastructural projects such as roads, public buildings, and other facilities. The discussions emphasized adherence to international best practices to promote sustainable infrastructural development across the state.
As the state government continues its developmental strides, the next quarterly stakeholders’ meeting is scheduled later in the year.
This will coincide with the evaluation of progress made ahead of Governor Okpebholo’s first 100 days in office, as the administration pushes forward with its commitment to transforming Edo State through robust infrastructure and sustainable growth.