Edo
By DADA AYOKHAI
The Edo State Government has announced traffic diversion and temporary road closures in Benin City ahead of the visit of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday, 15th October, 2026.
In a statement issued by the Managing Director of the Edo State Traffic Control and Management Agency (EDSTMA), Engr. Stainless M.I. Ijeghede, the diversion will be in effect from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on the day of the visit.
According to the statement, Senator Tinubu will be in the state capital to commission the fleet of new CNG buses purchased by the Edo State Government and to empower 5,000 Edo women under her Renewed Hope Initiative.
Roads to be temporarily closed include Joromi Junction by Ekewan Road and Stadium Road by Ekewan Road Junction, with motorists advised to make use of alternative routes to avoid gridlock.
Meanwhile, preparations for the high-profile visit have heightened activities across the metropolis, with ongoing renovation works at the iconic Ring Road and its environs.
Edo state workers have been seen giving the city centre a facelift, including clearing, cleaning and refurbishing public spaces around Ring Road to give the capital a befitting outlook ahead of the First Lady’s arrival.
Similarly, there is ongoing painting and beautification of road dividers and kerbs along Airport Road and other major corridors leading to the event venues.
The beautification exercise, though aimed at improving the aesthetics of Benin City, has added to traffic build-up in some areas.
Residents and motorists have lamented the inconvenience caused by the combined road closures, ongoing painting works and last-minute renovation activities, which have led to heavy congestion during peak hours.
EDSTMA however appealed for understanding, assuring that all vehicles coming for the programme have been directed to park inside the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Ekewan Campus, to ease traffic flow, and urging residents to plan their movements early.
Edo Govt Announces 6am to 6pm Road Closure in Benin Ahead of First Lady’s Visit
