By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – THE governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo on Friday commissioned a five-kilometre network of internal roads at Edo State Polytechnic, Usen built by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The commissioning also saw the donation of two new buses to the polytechnic and a directive from Governor Okpebholo for an evaluation of student hostel accommodations to ensure improved living standards.

The governor described the project as a strategic investment in education, campus mobility, and regional development.

Okpebholo 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 said.

Governor Okpebholo emphasized that quality infrastructure within educational institutions is critical for academic excellence and security.

He urged the students to leverage the improved learning environment, tying the development to 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,” he said.

The Minister of Regional Development, Hon. Engr. Abubakar Momoh, commended the collaboration between the state and 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.

In his remarks, Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu thanked Governor Okpebholo and President Bola Tinubu for providing the resources to undertake the project via the NDDC.

He went on to appreciate the Governor for all the giant strides in the Education sector,urging the students to show appreciation to.the Government by studying hard and taking care of the infrastructure

He said the Okpebholo administration has sponsored seven lecturers to China for skill enhancement and five students to study abroad under state sponsorship adding that “No student has been sent home due to school fees, and all lecturer arrears since 2022 have been cleared. Plans are underway to send students on full scholarship to Turkey.”

The Executive Director of Projects at NDDC, Sir Victor Antai, provided technical details of the road project: 4.8 km of asphalt pavement, including 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, Hon. Sam Oboh, lauded the partnership. “This collaboration has revitalized 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.