By Eshioromeh Sebastian
President Bola Tinubu has assured Edo State that the Federal Government will honour its infrastructure commitments to the state, even as he pledged continued federal support in healthcare, energy, agriculture, entrepreneurship and security.
The President’s message was delivered on Thursday by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the APC presidential rally, which coincided with the second anniversary of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration, held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
Shettima said the Federal Government would keep faith with its understanding with Edo people, noting that no serious effort to close Nigeria’s infrastructure gap can succeed without the state.
“We have come to assure you that you can count on us too,” he told the gathering. “When we came to you four years ago, we said we could not address our nation’s infrastructure deficit without carrying Edo State along. We have not abandoned that agreement.”
He disclosed that work had commenced on the dualisation of roads to Ekpoma, Auchi and Okpella, as well as the Benin-Agbor-Sapele road, adding that the Federal Government was determined to build more roads in the state.
The Vice President also highlighted federal support for Edo in healthcare, energy, entrepreneurship, agriculture and security, pointing to ongoing efforts to secure the return of Benin artefacts and the transfer of ownership of the Benin treasures to Nigeria.
Shettima praised the governor’s performance, saying Okpebholo had made the All Progressives Congress proud. He said President Tinubu holds the governor in high regard and has backed him to serve the people of Edo.
In his remarks, Governor Okpebholo pledged that Edo State would deliver for the President in the January 2027 political contest, citing what he described as Tinubu’s contributions to the state.
“In Edo State, we are ready to deliver come January 2027. The President has done so much for Edo people,” the governor said. “Today, we don’t owe salaries. We don’t owe pensioners. Construction work is going on everywhere.”
He said the visible construction across the state was proof of his administration’s commitment to development and the welfare of workers.
Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, congratulated Okpebholo on two years in office and commended his efforts towards the development of the state.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, also spoke at the event.
The rally brought together top government officials, APC national and state leaders, political stakeholders and residents, who reaffirmed Edo people’s commitment to delivering 2.5 million votes for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
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