President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, flagged off the 125km Benin-Asaba highway, expected to be completed within 30 months.
The President was represented at the flag-off by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The governor described the road as a legacy project, adding that Edo was nearing Lagos in terms of infrastructural development.
“The President loves Edo State so much that whenever he sees me, he always asks me about the welfare of the people and that of the Oba of Benin.
“The good things happening in Lagos are now also happening here in Edo State, and we have made progress under my watch as governor.
“We once had a President from this region that never remembered us. Edo is a gateway to the nation and when the roads are bad, the economy of the state will be bad as well,” he said.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, commended the visionary leadership of Okpebholo who he said had turned the state into a construction site in less than 150 days in office.
The minister thanked the President for his love for the people of Edo State, saying as a minister, he had visited the state about three times for projects.
He also commended Okpebholo’s people-oriented projects, like the flyover at Ramat Park in Benin City, the state capital.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, assured the people that the finances for the project are available, ensuring its successful completion from start to finish.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, thanked the President for the road and appealed for its extension to Onitsha Bridge.
Oborevwori, represented by the Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, described the road as a critical infrastructure that connects the Eastern and Western regions of Nigeria.
He noted that the road would improve the standard of living of the people, and urged for support to ensure successful completion.
