The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has asserted that his administration had finished building 61 km of the 200 km of streetlights needed to illuminate Benin, this project is being expanded to other areas of the state.
The governor made this statement during the commissioning of the Independent Power Project (IPP) and about 10 kilometers of new street lighting in New Benin, Oredo Local Government Area of the State.
Obaseki pointed out that the city is being illuminated by the state government in order to improve security and revive the city’s nighttime economy.
Along with other senior government officials, the governor was accompanied on the commissioning by his chief of staff, Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha, and the acting permanent secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Electricity, Engr. Victor Osagbouwa Obanor, among others.
“Today, we have done about 61 kilometers,” he declared, “and I want to make sure I cover 200 kilometers before leaving office. This would entail covering the majority of Benin’s major cities. We would also go to Edo Central and Edo North, using solar power systems in areas without access to electricity.
“The goal is to make sure that we brighten our cities and prolong their economic existence so that, rather than going to bed at 8 o’clock and closing for the day, companies will remain open for an additional three or more hours. We are increasing the hours of businesses as it will improve the city’s economy.
Obaseki continued, “We also want to secure our cities as we remove darkness from our cities because electricity is crucial in enhancing security and lowering criminality.” In order to avoid creating too many areas of darkness where criminals can operate at night, we will keep installing street lights across the State’s cities.
“Manufacturers will benefit from consistent lighting for manufacturing, particularly those in cottage industries that work at night. Additionally, people who operate enterprises for cooling and storage will have light to preserve their goods and agricultural output.
We are taking the electrification and bringing energy to houses and streets extremely seriously. Even if it is highly expensive, we must persevere for the good of our people. We would do all to develop the state,” Obaseki reassured.
According to Obanor, the commissioned projects include street lights on Mission Road, which is 3.5 kilometers in length from Ring Road to Ewa Road Junction, the Second East Circular, which is 3.2 kilometers long from Sapele Road to Akpakpava, and the New Lagos Road, which is 3.15 kilometers in length from Akpakpava to Uselu Shell.
The Permanent Secretary commended the governor’s commitment to the wellbeing of the Edo people while urging citizens to support the government’s efforts by zealously protecting the facilities.
Wilfred Obaseki, speaking on behalf of the New Benin Community chiefs, commended the governor for providing light to the neighborhood, noting that this will undoubtedly lead to growth as more vendors will stay to sell their wares at night without worrying about being robbed.
