Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has outlined how the state’s comprehensive Regional Development Plan and Benin City Master Plan will serve as strategic frameworks for the state’s progress and sustainable development over the next three decades. These plans are envisioned to chart a clear course for growth, transformation, and modernization, ensuring a coordinated approach to development that spans multiple generations.
Governor Obaseki made this statement during an interactive session with stakeholders from across Edo Central, held at the Okaijesan Town Hall in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area (LGA). The engagement brought together key representatives from the Esan West, Esan South-East, Esan Central, Esan North-East, and Igueben LGAs, underscoring the broad consultation process underpinning the development initiative.
“The master plan is not just a government project, but a collective responsibility that begins at the community level. It will provide a clear direction for the state’s development, and it’s crucial that we all collaborate to make it a success,” said Obaseki. He emphasized that the plan would act as a living document, continuously reviewed and updated every five years to ensure the state stays on course. The governor added that the plan would serve as a yardstick for future leaders, enabling citizens to hold leaders accountable for their actions based on the objectives laid out in the blueprint.
Obaseki also highlighted the importance of the plan in fostering development at the grassroots level. “This is not a plan for one individual, but for all of us,” he stressed, warning that empty promises from politicians would no longer be tolerated. “The people will now have a concrete framework to measure the performance of their leaders.”
In addition to the master plan, Governor Obaseki reiterated his commitment to leaving behind a lasting legacy of planning and development. “When I leave office, I want to leave behind a well-thought-out plan for the future of Edo State, not just short-term promises,” he said.
Engr. Dr. John Obanor, Director of Policy, Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Ministry of Roads and Bridges, outlined the state’s efforts to improve infrastructure, particularly road connectivity. “Our goal is to make Edo State one of the best-connected regions in Africa. Under the current administration, we have completed 56 road projects in Esanland, with several others still under construction,” he shared. He added that approximately 17 additional road projects have already been designed, which will further improve the state’s infrastructure.
The Onogie of Igueben, HRH Ehizogie Eluojieror, expressed his gratitude to the governor for his transformative efforts in Esanland, particularly noting the development of the College of Education in Igueben, which now serves as the institutional headquarters. He also dismissed rumors that the school had been closed, affirming its ongoing operations. Additionally, he commended the completion of the Ugiogba Road project, which has significantly improved access to the area.
Similarly, the Onogie of Ewu Kingdom, Alhaji Abdulrazak Isesele Ojiefoh III, extended his appreciation to Governor Obaseki for addressing critical local challenges, particularly the gully erosion problem in Ewu Kingdom. He also thanked the governor for revitalizing the Bendel Fill and Flour Mill, which has now resumed operations, providing much-needed economic activity and job opportunities in the region.
