The Edo State Government has announced plans to commence rehabilitation of roads and drainage infrastructure in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Benin City. This move is part of measures to tackle flooding and create a new GRA. Governor Monday Okpebholo made this disclosure when he received the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, and other judges on a courtesy visit at the Government House in Benin City.
According to Governor Okpebholo, the existing GRA was not properly planned from inception, and some houses might have to be removed to make way for the planned infrastructure improvements. He stated that his administration is working to have a new GRA, adding that some houses have to give way for the development. The governor also mentioned that three companies have given an estimate of about N250 billion for the project.
The governor said the government would commence palliative work on roads in the GRA after the rainy season. He stated that the EdoGIS is already working on areas requiring improvements of infrastructure like water and electricity. This move is aimed at easing movement in the area and controlling flooding. The palliative work will focus on roads and drainage infrastructure to mitigate the effects of flooding in the GRA.
Governor Okpebholo commended the state judiciary for its cooperation with his administration, particularly in the use of special courts and efforts toward speedy dispensation of justice. He thanked the judges for their diligence in the discharge of their duties, saying that he had not heard any negative reports about their activities.
The governor also announced that the state government had obtained approval from the State Executive Council to purchase new vehicles to replace the old ones currently being used by judges. He stated that about 33 vehicles would be purchased and distributed to the judges soon. This move is aimed at improving the welfare of judges in the state.
The Chief Judge, Justice Okungbowa, commended the governor for his developmental strides and the collaboration between the executive and judiciary. He stated that the cooperation between the two arms of government had contributed to development and peace in the state. The Chief Judge also invited the governor to the activities marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 legal year in the state.
The courtesy visit by the judges was to formally invite the governor to the commencement of the 2026/2027 legal year, which took place on October 9. The Chief Judge thanked the governor for his administration's collaboration with other arms of government, which has contributed to the peaceful atmosphere in Edo. The governor's developmental strides across all sectors of the state were also commended.
Key points
- The Edo State Government plans to spend N250 billion to rehabilitate roads and drainage infrastructure in the GRA.
- The government will commence palliative work on roads in the GRA after the rainy season.
- The state government has obtained approval to purchase 33 new vehicles for judges in the state.
