In a bid to enhance transparency and accountability in governance, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the constitution of a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to investigate the assets and liabilities of the previous administration led by Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The committee, which is tasked with providing a comprehensive review of the state’s assets, will be inaugurated on Tuesday, 26th November 2024, at 1:00 PM at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City.
In a statement by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the decision to set up the committee aligns with Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to ensuring probity and transparency in Edo State’s governance.

“The need to establish a State Assets Verification Committee is imperative to set the state on a path of development and accountable leadership. Despite repeated calls for a holistic database of the assets and liabilities of the previous administration, the Godwin Obaseki-led government provided scant and limited records.

“In line with the Governor’s campaign promise to promote transparency and deepen the governance process, this committee has been constituted with respected sons and daughters of Edo State,” the statement read.

The committee’s findings are expected to guide future decisions and strengthen governance structures in the state.
The Committee Members which include distinguished individuals from various sectors is chaired by Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, with Anslem Ojezua as the Deputy Chairman.
Other members include:

1. Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe – Chairman
2. Anslem Ojezua – Deputy Chairman
3. Prince Kassim Afegbua – Member
4. Hon. Patrick Ikhariale – Member
5. Mr. Taiwo Akerele – Member
6. Hon. Patrick Idiake – Member
7. Hon. Rasaq Bello-Osagie – Member
8. Mr. Fredrick Unopah – Member
9. Frank Osumuede Edebor Esq – Secretary
10. Mrs. Abdallah Eugenia – Member
11. Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon – Member
12. Pharm. Kenny Okojie – Member
13. Mrs. Lyndsey Tes-Sorae – Member
14. Hon. Abass Braimoh – Member

***Palliatives for Residents Discovered in Recovered Bus

The Edo State Government has announced the recovery of three out of more than 200 official vehicles unaccounted for, as it has intensified effort to recover government-owned assets from private custody.

Chairman of the recently inaugurated Vehicle Recovery Committee, disclosed that within 24 hours of the committee’s operation, three vehicles had been retrieved.
The recovered vehicles, which include a Hilux van and two Toyota Hiace buses, were found in a private residence.

Notably, one of the recovered Toyota Hiace buses was contained palliatives intended for distribution to residents. The items included bags of garri and rice, weighing 10kg and 25kg.

Okungbowa called on members of the public to provide information about the location of other missing vehicles, assuring whistleblowers of substantial rewards for accurate and verifiable tips.

“Since our inauguration, we have successfully recovered three vehicles in just 24 hours, including one Hilux and two Toyota Hiace buses. These vehicles were discovered in private custody, and our operation is supported by security agencies to ensure compliance,” Okungbowa said.

He noted that the committee has received reports indicating over 200 government vehicles are unaccounted for. He urged former government officials and other individuals in possession of state vehicles to return them voluntarily within 48 hours.

“These vehicles are not private property but belong to the people of Edo State. It is unfair for anyone to appropriate government assets for personal use,” Okungbowa emphasized.

He added that the success of the initial operation was due to actionable intelligence, urging citizens to provide more information about other locations where state vehicles may be kept.

“We recovered these vehicles based on information provided by the public, and we appeal for more tips. Our team will continue operations to recover all missing vehicles,” he said.

Okungbowa reassured residents that the committee remains committed to its mandate and will not relent until all missing government assets are recovered for the benefit of the people of Edo State.

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has officially flagged off the construction of a flyover bridge at Ramat Park, Benin City, as part of his administration’s efforts to tackle traffic congestion in the state capital.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Fred Itua, in a statement on Tuesday quoted the Governor at the ground-breaking ceremony, to have announced plans to construct two more flyover bridges at Dawson Road Junction and Sapele Road/Adesuwa Road Junction in Benin City.

Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the completion of the Ramat Park flyover will significantly transform the economy and social dynamics of Benin City and Edo State. He described Ramat Park as a gateway to Benin City and other regions of the country.
He noted that the bridge will provide relief for motorists traveling along the Benin-Auchi Expressway and the Benin-Asaba Expressway.

“I warmly welcome you to the ground-breaking and flag-off ceremony of the Ramat Park flyover. This is the beginning of a crucial project that will bring economic and social benefits to our capital city and the entire Edo State.
“Ramat Park is a key gateway to Benin City, and this flyover will improve the lives of motorists and commuters along these vital corridors,” Governor Okpebholo stated.

“During our campaigns, I promised to construct flyovers to ease transportation and reduce traffic gridlock in our city. Today, just one week into my administration, we are delivering on that promise.
“This is the first flyover, and we will construct more, including one at Dawson Road Junction and another at Sapele Road/Adesuwa Road Junction.”

The Governor also noted the historical significance of Benin City, emphasizing the need to revitalize the city to encourage tourism and further development.

“I must express my gratitude to the Speaker and the members of the House of Assembly for their support. I also appreciate CCECC Nigeria Limited for their commitment to completing the project within 18 months.
“To the people of Edo, I assure you that we will execute this project in line with all relevant laws and regulations,” he added.

Governor Okpebholo appealed to motorists for patience as the construction progresses over the next 18 months.

Daughter of a former Governor of Edo State and resident of the area, Amen Ogbemudia, expressed her gratitude to the Governor for his visionary leadership.
She noted that the Governor’s actions were bringing hope to the people of Edo State.
Emmanuel Aigbogun, a youth from the Oregbeni Community, also commended Governor Okpebholo for his bold step in addressing the city’s infrastructural challenges, stating that the Governor had written his name in gold with the groundbreaking of the Ramat Park flyover.

“You made a promise, and you are here to fulfill it. We are behind you and will continue to support your administration,” he said.