GOVERNOR OKPEBHOLO SLAMS OBASEKI OVER COMMISSIONING OF UNCOMPLETED EDO PROJECTS

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed strong displeasure over the commissioning of uncompleted projects by the immediate past administration of Godwin Obaseki, describing the move as a disservice to the people of Edo and an attempt to mask inefficiency. Chief Press Secretary Fred Itua, in a statement, disclosed Governor Okpebholo’s disappointment following an on-the-spot inspection of key facilities including the Stella Obasanjo Hospital and the Education Hub Complex at Iyaro on Tuesday.

Fred Itua indicated the Governor’s shock at the extent of uncompleted work in facilities publicly declared “commissioned” under Obaseki’s tenure, vowing to complete the projects and ensure they serve their intended purpose before year-end. “I do not know why the previous administration commissioned this hospital when work was still ongoing,” Okpebholo said in dismay. “It is wrong to mislead the people with such gestures. Our duty is to finish what was started and ensure that Edo people get full value for every naira spent.”

At Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Commissioner for Health Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, conducting Okpebholo around the facility, disclosed it was barely 60 percent completed, with many hospital beds old and recycled from the previous structure. “We have gone round the facility with His Excellency, and it’s clear that the hospital is far from completion,” Dr. Oshiomhole said. Fred Itua noted Okpebholo directed accelerated work to bring the hospital to full completion swiftly.

Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed commitment to activating the hospital before Christmas, assuring Edo residents it would soon be equipped and opened. “A lot of work has been done, but much more is left. The administrative block and the theatre are still incomplete. However, between now and Christmas, we will ensure this hospital is activated and serving Edo people,” Okpebholo stated.

Visiting Iyaro Education Hub, Okpebholo expressed similar disappointment, calling the former administration’s commissioning premature and misleading. “This building was hurriedly commissioned without power, equipment, or any operational capacity,” he lamented. Contractor George Bou Maroon explained the complex aims to centralize Edo’s educational activities, housing key ministry offices and facilities.

Okpebholo reiterated his government’s focus on accountability and tangible results, promising an end to “cosmetic governance” in Edo State. “We are not here to play politics with the lives of Edo people. Our mission is to rebuild, restore, and ensure every project serves the people. Edo people deserve honesty and visible progress, and that is exactly what this administration will deliver,” he declared.