By Prosper Olayiwola
The Federal Government has extended the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to include Edo State.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, made this known during the Edo State Independence Gala Night held at the State Villa in Benin City,
He disclosed that an additional 100-kilometre section of the project; which initially excluded Edo State from its alignment, will now pass through the state.
“The route was earlier announced, but unfortunately, it did not include Edo State. Today, the difference in length from 700km to 750km is because a miracle happened here. The President directed that the highway must run from Lagos to Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and end in Cross River,” the minister said.
A statement by his media aide, Orji Uchenna Orji, quoted the minister as applauding the people and government of Edo State for supporting President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
Umahi assured residents of timely and quality execution of federal infrastructure projects in the state despite long-standing funding and infrastructural gaps.
The minister also commended Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo for intervening in the repair of the Benin–Sapele–Warri road, describing the stretch as a “death trap” for motorists.
In a remark, Governor Okpebholo expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for approving the extension of the coastal highway to Edo.
He described the inclusion as a clear demonstration of the President’s goodwill toward Edo people.