The Federal Government has announced the inclusion of Edo State in the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, unveiling an additional 100-kilometre stretch of the road to pass through the state.

Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, disclosed this during the Edo State Independence Gala Night held at the State Villa, Benin City. He noted that the project, first conceived by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 47 years ago, was originally not designed to pass through Edo.

“The route was earlier announced, but unfortunately it did not include Edo State. Today, the difference in length from 700km to 750km is because a miracle happened here. The President directed that the highway must run from Lagos to Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and end in Cross River,” Umahi said.

According to a statement signed by his media adviser, Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, the minister commended the people and government of Edo State for their support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and assured them of quality and timely delivery of ongoing federal projects despite inherited infrastructural and funding deficits.

Umahi also praised Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for intervening in critical sections of the Benin-Sapele-Warri Road, describing it as a “death trap” for motorists.

He commended the contractor, CBC, for quality work, but directed them to intensify efforts and provide daily progress reports.

In his remarks, Governor Okpebholo expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for including Edo in the coastal highway alignment and for improvements on federal roads within the state.

He described the gesture as a demonstration of the President’s love for Edo people.

“Recently, I drove through this axis and was almost moved to tears seeing the state of the road. Our people cannot go about their daily activities without struggling on these roads,” he said.

“The President is doing his best, and criticism should serve as a wake-up call for us all. If I do my part and the Federal Government does its part, there will be no room for complaints.”

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure across Edo, urging residents to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. (The Guardian)