Alltimepost.com Sincerity of Purpose
By Eben Enasco
Barely a year into the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo, Edo State is experiencing a rural revolution.
This is as the State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission, EDSOPADEC, is driving this transformation through its carefully crafted initiatives.
As Eben Enasco reports, the impact is being felt across the state’s rural areas particularly the major oil producing locals.
During a recent inspection tour of the completed and ongoing projects in Orhionmwon, Ikpoba Okha and Ovia North East Communities, the leadership of EDSOPADEC, expressed satisfaction with the progress made.
The Board, led by its Chairman, Hon. Francis Osabouhien, commended the contractors working on the projects and assured that the commission will continue to prioritize the needs of the people as enshrined in Governor Okpebholo’s shine agenda.
He noted that most of the projects inspected commenced about three months ago, with tremendous progress achieved in a short span of time.
Speaking on the inspection tour, the Chairman, Hon Osabuohien said, “We are satisfied with what we have seen so far, and we will continue to put the people first.”
He further stated that the commission was committed to ensuring that all projects are completed on time and to the highest standards.
The inspection tour covered several projects, including road construction, transformer installation, and the construction of markets, which are part of the commission’s efforts to improve the lives of residents in the oil-producing communities.
These notable projects inspected during the three days assessment tour include 3.5-kilometer Orogho Township road, 1.6 Oza internal road construction, 300 KVA installation of transformers in Evboesi, Urhehue and Orogho Communities.
In Umogun N’ khua, the commission has constructed a market equipped with solar-powered boreholes and a V.I.P. toilet facility, comprising 20 open stalls and 80 locked-up stalls.
Similarly, EDSOPADEC is also developing several other markets, including Ugo Open Market, where the project involves constructing 50 locked-up stalls. In Evbuoghae, 50 locked-up market stalls are being developed.
In Oben, the commission is constructing a market with 120 open stalls and 80 locked-up stalls.
The commission is also investing in infrastructure development, including a 1.9km road in Egbikan Community, Ikpoba Okha LGA which is near completion.
To improve electricity supply, EDSOPADEC has installed 300kVA transformers in Egba, Egbikan, Ighiwiyisi, and Nomayo areas, which are already powering electricity supply to the locals.
Elsewhere, in the Urora community, a market site is transforming, and the project is about 80% completed, thereby, demonstrating EDSOPADEC’s commitment to developing infrastructure in oil and gas producing areas.
To ease the challenges of doing business and transporting goods in the riverine areas, the Commission has completed a modern jetty facility in Ajamora Community, bringing relief to residents and traders alike.
In Ovia North East, the commission also inspected the completed Ekiadolor-Akure link road, the ongoing Edosomwan Street project in the Oluku community, and the ultra-modern Ugbogiobo market facilities under construction.
Residents expressed delight with the government’s efforts, highlighting the significant impact of these projects on their lives.
The inspection tour, which spanned three days, concluded successfully, showcasing the commission’s commitment to driving development in the region.
EDSOPADEC has made significant progress in its community development initiatives, with several projects underway in various communities.
The Chairman’s remarks were echoed by other board members, including the members representing Orhionmwon, Hon. Tony Osazuwa as well as his Ikpoba Okha Counterpart, Hon. Felix Osazee Igbinovia and the member representing Ovia North East, Hon. Edosomwan also expressed their satisfaction with the progress of the projects while thanking the Governor for his belief in the Commission’s board to deliver.
For the beneficiary communities, and their leaders, Charles Idobo-abu, Engineer Peter Edegbe, Osasu Ogbebor, Nelson Okoro- Okunoghae spoke in unison, celebrating the feat achieved within one year of the Okpevbolo’s administration.
They said, “We’re grateful to the Governor Okpebholo and EDSOPADEC for bringing development to our community. The new road has made it easier for us to access markets and healthcare facilities.
‘The transformer has eased our pains of total blackout experience even though the past administration promised but failed to provide for us these basic needs”.
Others who had hitherto witnessed a persistent power outage in the community, said the transformer has also given them reliable power supply, which has improved their businesses and lives.
The Contractor, Erunmusele Eboya, despite assuring that this is going smoothly, emphasized that the project is expected to end in 18 months.
The lack of basic infrastructure, economic opportunities, and social services had left many residents feeling abandoned and disenfranchised.
However, with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s intervention through EDSOPADEC, there is a renewed sense of hope that things are changing for the better.
EDSOPADEC’s efforts are a testament to Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to inclusive governance, and a significant departure from the neglect of previous administrations.
In December 2024, Governor Okpebholo approved the dissolution of all commissions, including EDSOPADEC, and subsequently approved the nomination of new members for the commission.
The new board was sworn in on January 21, 2025, with the new chairman, Francis Osaretin Osabuohien taking the mantle of leadership.
Since assuming office, the Chairman Francis Osabouhien and the Board Members of EDSOPADEC have been driving the rural development in Edo State, transforming the lives of dwellers and empowering local communities.
With Governor Okpebholo’s vision and leadership, EDSOPADEC is building a brighter future for the Oil and Gas Producing areas by extension, Edo State.
