In a significant stride towards infrastructural transformation, the Executive Chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government Council, Hon. Thompson Osagie, has officially flagged off the Phase II reconstruction of the Secretariat Link Road and INEC Road, stretching to the Local Government Staff Quarters in Abudu.
The development was disclosed in a statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman, Orhionmwon Local Government Council, Dennis Ugbudian. The ceremony, held at the Council Secretariat Sports Complex, drew an impressive turnout of political leaders, top government officials, community heads, and enthusiastic residents, all of whom gathered to witness what is widely regarded as a defining moment in the council’s development trajectory.
Among dignitaries present were the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Solomon Uhunmwangho; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Beautification, Rural and Urban Development, Amb. Cassandra Olunede; the Head of Local Government Administration, Dr. Francis Odigie; the Treasurer of the Local Government, Mr. David Attah; the Director of Administration and General Services, Comrade Victor Ogiemwanre; Supervising Councillor for Works, Hon. Bright Njor; Supervising Councillor for Youth and Sports, Hon. Augusta Azagba; Heads of Departments, senior management staff, and respected community leaders.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Osagie expressed profound appreciation to the staff and stakeholders whose support made the project possible. He described the initiative as a historic turning point for the council.
“Today marks the beginning of a new era in Orhionmwon. Though we may be starting later than anticipated, our commitment is to deliver quality and durable results. This project, initiated by the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, under the SHINE Agenda, is designed to drive holistic infrastructural development across the state,” Hon. Osagie said.
He added that the equipment provided by the Governor will significantly bridge the gap in rural development, particularly by improving access to farmlands for farmers. “As the largest local government in Edo State, we are determined to extend development to every ward and community,” he stated. “Work begins today with the grading of Phase II of the Secretariat Link Road and INEC Road leading to the staff quarters. By the weekend, operations will extend to Evbuobanosa and subsequently to Ukpato Ward, as the equipment moves systematically across all wards until our objectives are fully realized.”
The Chairman reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to ensure no part of Orhionmwon is left behind in the ongoing development drive. He also appreciated Governor Okpebholo and other stakeholders for their unwavering support. In a symbolic demonstration of leadership and commitment, Hon. Osagie mounted the grader to officially flag off the exercise, drawing cheers and admiration from the crowd.
Speaking at the event, Amb. Cassandra Olunede commended the Chairman’s visionary leadership and dedication to service delivery. “I have always believed in Hon. Osagie’s capacity to deliver. What we are witnessing today is not just a promise fulfilled but governance in action. This project will positively impact communities across all wards, bringing development closer to the grassroots,” she said. “I urge the people and staff of Orhionmwon to take ownership of this initiative and support the Chairman. This equipment belongs to you, and its effective use depends on collective responsibility,” she added.
Also lending his voice, the Seriki of Abudu praised Hon. Osagie’s consistency and performance, noting his track record both as former Secretary to the Local Government and now as Chairman. He offered prayers for continued success and harmonious collaboration between the Chairman and the State Government.
Similarly, the Supervising Councillor for Works, Hon. Bright Njor, lauded the Chairman for embarking on what he described as a transformative project. He outlined the phased movement of the equipment across various wards, emphasizing that every part of the local government will benefit.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Solomon Uhunmwangho, highlighted the Chairman’s continuity in performance and commitment to development. “This is a leader who has always delivered. The reconstruction of the long-abandoned INEC Road is particularly commendable. This road has not been functional since the 1990s, and today it is being revived to improve accessibility and connectivity within the council,” he noted.
The flag-off ceremony marks a significant milestone in Orhionmwon’s development journey, reinforcing the Osagie administration’s commitment to delivering people-oriented projects and setting a new benchmark for grassroots governance, in a statement Dennis Ugbudian. He further noted that the project underscores the council’s resolve to bridge infrastructure gaps across all communities.
