Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, on Monday, joined the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo in the commissioning of 54 construction equipment in Benin City.
The 54 equipment were purchased by the 18 Local Government Council Chairmen in the State.
Speaking at the commission, Wike urged the Council chairmen to use the equipment to impact positively on the lives of the rural dwellers and not for personal use.
He said with the presentation of the equipment, Governor Okpebholo had shown that development must spread to the rural areas.
“The governor has simply challenged you to replicate what he is doing in the state and he has told you that the equipment is not for hiring but for development”, he said.
He said Governor Okpebholo had aid the foundation for Mr President and all APC candidates in the State to be elected the 2027 election because “you have shown the people what you have done”
Earlier, Governor Monday Okpebholo said the occasion marked a significant step in his administration’s commitment to grassroots development in Edo State in line with the Government Shine Agenda.
Governor Okpebholo noted the presence of Nyesom Wike underscored the importance of results-driven governance and practical leadership, just as he commended the Minister for Federal Capital Territory for standing with the State.
According to him, the handover of 54 construction equipment to our 18 Local Government Councils is deliberate and strategic. We believe that development must not be concentrated at the centre; it must reach every village, every community, and every ward. Our local governments must have the capacity to deliver practical governance for the Edo people.
“These machines are tools of transformation. They are meant to open rural roads, improve drainage, support sanitation, and accelerate local infrastructure delivery. They are not for show. They are not for storage. They are for work.
“To our Local Government Chairmen, this is a test of leadership and responsibility. These equipment belong to the people of Edo State. Use them transparently, maintain them properly, and deploy them efficiently for public good – not personal use”, he added.
The Governor posited that “when local governments work, Edo State works. And when Edo works, our people prosper. The Edo people must see the impacts in roads rehabilitation, improved drainages, and faster project execution.
He assured that his administration would continue to empower every tier of government to deliver practical governance to the Edo people.
On his part, Adams Oshiomhole noted that governor Okpebholo had brought governance and development to the people at the grassroots.
He said governance is about being identified with the ordinary man and using your power to neutralize any one who wants to undermine the ordinary man on the street
“Your excellence you have brought equipment for the council chairmen to work and develop the rural areas. With this you have governance changing under your watch.”
