The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday commissioned 54 units of construction equipment procured by the Edo State Government for distribution to the state’s 18 local government councils.
He described the initiative as a bold step towards deepening grassroots economic development.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Benin City, Wike commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for prioritising rural development and empowering local governments with tools for practical governance.
He said the gesture demonstrated the governor’s commitment to ensuring that development reaches rural communities, noting that economic growth must begin at the grassroots.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the broader national development vision and strengthens public confidence in governance.
Wike, while making political allusions, said the focus of governance should be on tangible development rather than populist gestures, adding that visible infrastructure delivery remains the true test of leadership.
In his address, Governor Okpebholo described the handover of the equipment as a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening local government administration and accelerating development at the community level.
“Today marks a significant step in our commitment to grassroots development in Edo State in line with our SHINE Agenda,” the governor said, stressing that development must not be concentrated at the centre.
Also speaking, the senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, said good governance requires leaders to identify with ordinary people and protect their interests through decisive action.
He noted that the procurement of the equipment signalled a new direction in local government development, adding that the governor was changing the narrative by extending development across all sectors of the state’s economy.
Responding on behalf of the benefiting council chairmen, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Edo State and Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area, Sunny Ekpeson, described the event as a celebration of practical governance and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.