By Our Correspondent

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has commissioned 54 construction equipment procured by the Edo State Government for the 18 Local Government Councils, describing the initiative as a major boost to grassroots economic development.

Commissioning the equipment, Wike praised the governor’s commitment to rural development and economic empowerment at the grassroots.

He said, “You have demonstrated that you love the economy of the local government. You have demonstrated that development must go to the rural areas. You have laid the foundation for Mr. President to be re-elected,”

He added, “Let me tell you, as the other opponent was busy deceiving people buying corn on the road, Mr. President was busy developing the FCT. FCT has 62 councillors, APC took 45, PDP took 17. This shows the ruling party from the opposition party.”

In his address, Governor Monday Okpebholo described the handover as a strategic step in strengthening local government administration and delivering development to rural communities.

The governor said, “Today marks a significant step in our commitment to grassroot development in Edo State in line with our SHINE Agenda,”

He stressed that development must not be centralized. “Development must not be concentrated at the centre; it must reach every village, every community and every ward. Our local governments must have the capacity to deliver practical governance for the Edo people.”

Governor Okpebholo further emphasized the purpose of the equipment, stating: “These machines are tools of transformation. They are meant to open rural roads, improve drainage, support sanitation, and accelerate local infrastructure delivery. They are not for show. They are not for storage. They are for work.”

He added that the equipment belongs to the people of Edo State and must be deployed transparently and maintained properly for public use.

Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, said governance is about identifying with the ordinary man and using political will to protect their interests.

He said, “By the governor’s actions, he is demonstrating that under his watch the local government will be developed in Edo State. Gov. Okpebholo is changing the narrative, bringing development to Edo people across all sectors of the Edo economy,”

Speaking on behalf of council chairmen, the ALGON Chairman and Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area, Hon. Sunny Ekpeson, described the commissioning as a celebration of practical governance and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said, “We are here to take the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President to the grassroots. Governance stopped during the time of Adams Oshiomhole and it has resumed again now during the time of Monday Okpebholo,”

He noted that the event demonstrates that Governor Okpebholo is not interfering in local government administration, adding that infrastructural development is now visible across the state.

The APC Chairman in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, said the party has succeeded in driving out bad governance, noting that Governor Okpebholo has brought practical governance and visible development.

“I advised the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) not to come into Edo State as the governor is working and the state is not for other political parties,” Tenebe said, urging opposition parties not to constitute obstacles to development.

He added that no opposition could stop the 3.5 million votes promised to President Tinubu.

Also speaking, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Edesili Anani Okpebholo, commended the administration for driving development to the grassroots.

“We thank him for the inclusion of women in governance. Edo women will support Governor Okpebholo’s vision of ensuring Edo delivers the state for APC come 2027,” she said, noting improvements in security, healthcare services and agriculture.

The ceremony, held in Benin City, was attended by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor Esq; the Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, RT Hon Blessing Agbebaku; and members of the Edo State House of Assembly; the 18 local government council chairmen, party leaders and other stakeholders.

The event marked a major milestone in the state government’s effort to strengthen local government capacity and entrench practical governance across Edo State.