By DADA AYOKHAI
In continuation of his tour of the nine States making up the Niger Delta states, Hon. Abubakar Momoh made a quick stop-over in Benin, the Edo State capital
On arrival in Benin, late in the evening, from the neighbouring Ondo State, the minister went straight to the magnificent palace of the Oba of Benin, HRM Oba Ewuare 1, for a private visit to the revered monarch
A palace source confided in Borderline News24 that immediately after the pleasantries to herald the minister’s visit, the Oba led his guest into the inner chambers where they held discussions
Hon. Momoh was said to have conveyed to the Oba the good tidings of President Ahmed Tinubu and also reassured the Oba of the administration’s commitment towards the development of the region
Earlier on his way to Benin the minister inspected in the ongoing federal projects in the state being handled by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)
The majority of President Tinubu’s ministers embarked on a statewide tour of federal projects and consultations with critical stakeholders to be able to generate a viable road map for the renewed hope mantra of the administration
Hon. Momoh has so far visited Bayelsa, Ondo, Rivers,Bayelsa and a couple of others
One of the ongoing road projects he visited during the tour was the Benin/Abraka road, a joint venture between Edo State and the federal government.
The 25km phase 1 of the road, awarded by the NDDC, stretches from the Upper Sakponba junction in Edo State to Abraka, Delta State
Hon. Momoh said his presence at the job site was dictated by the need to nip possible challenges in the bud and to also strengthen the state/federal collaboration on infrastructural development
The Edo State Commissioner of Roads and Bridges, Mr. Ethan Osaze Uzamere, accompanied the minister on the inspection tour
The commissioner added that the state government decided to embark on the 40 5km Benin/Abraka road project because of its strategic importance in reducing the vehicular pressure on the Benin/Sapele road as well as its immense economic benefits
Ethan also disclosed that the state government is working on the delivery of the 40. 5km Road project from Evbiakagba community to Ugo junction, adding for the ease of funding, the project has been divided into three phases
According to him, the 15 5 km Phase 1 of the road project will run from the Evbiakagba community to the Okogbo community; while the 7. 5km Phase 2 continues from Okogbo to the Idunmwunomina community and the 17. 5km phase 3 terminates at the Ugo junction
Among those in the entourage of the minister were Dr. Samson Osagie, Hon. Godwin Eshieshi, and Dr. Chris Oghebechiove
