Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Friday commissioned a five-kilometre network of internal roads at Edo State Polytechnic, Usen.
The road projects were facilitated by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as part of the Commission’s intervention in the Edo State education sector.
An elated Governor Okpebholo described the initiative as a strategic investment in education, campus mobility and regional development. He therefore praised the NDDC for the intervention, noting its potential to improve safety and campus life.
“I am honoured to witness this network of internal roads constructed by the Niger Delta Development Commission here at Edo State Polytechnic, Usen. This project is more than asphalt and concrete; it is access, connectivity, safety and opportunity for thousands of students and staff who use this campus daily,” he enthused.
Okpebholo emphasised that quality infrastructure within educational institutions remains critical for academic excellence and security.
According to him, “Road infrastructure within schools is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Good roads enhance security, improve mobility, support learning activities and create an environment where excellence can thrive.
“By investing in this polytechnic, the NDDC is investing directly in the future of our young people and the economic advancement of the Niger Delta,” he added.
The governor urged students of the institution to leverage the improved learning environment, adding that the development forms part of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Let this development remind you that the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is working. You must in turn match this investment with discipline, focus and excellence,” Okpebholo admonished.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to partnerships that deliver tangible results, Okpebholo highlighted ongoing collaboration with federal agencies and development partners.
He assured that Edo State remains committed to working with partners to deliver projects that will improve lives and accelerate growth across communities in the state.
In his remarks at the event, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, thanked Governor Okpebholo and President Bola Tinubu for providing the resources to undertake the project through the NDDC.
Iyamu pointed out that the governor’s giant strides in the education sector remain visible, urging students to show appreciation to the government by studying hard and taking care of the infrastructure on their campus.
“Governor Okpebholo has sponsored seven lecturers to China for skills enhancement and five students to study abroad under state sponsorship. No student has been sent home due to school fees, and all lecturers’ arrears since 2022 have been cleared. Plans are underway to send students on full scholarship to Turkey,” the commissioner announced.
The Minister of Regional Development, Mr Abubakar Momoh, commended the collaboration between the Edo State Government and the NDDC.
“I am proud to have been part of the legislation that established this institution 23 years ago under former Governor Lucky Igbinedion. Today, witnessing the commissioning of major road infrastructure here shows the power of partnership and collaboration,” he said.
The Executive Director of Projects at NDDC, Sir Victor Antai, provided technical details of the road project, including 4.8 km of asphalt pavement, comprising 4.595 km of internal roads, a 205 m dual carriageway main entrance, reinforced concrete drains and a 32 m by 900 mm reinforced concrete culvert. He urged the institution and the community to maintain the infrastructure for long-term benefit.
In his goodwill message, Edo State Polytechnic Board Chairman, Sam Oboh, lauded the partnership. “This collaboration has revitalised the institution. From over 10,000 students in the past to barely 3,000 now, this infrastructural boost will surely attract more students and bring life back to the campus,” he said.
Highlights of the commissioning included the donation of two new buses to the polytechnic and a directive from Governor Okpebholo for an evaluation of student hostel accommodation to ensure improved living standards on campus.