ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-As part of ongoing efforts to enhance public transportation, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has inaugurated 56 new Toyota Hiace buses for the state-owned transport service, Edoline.
The unveiling is part of a larger initiative to procure 100 buses by the end of February.
Additionally, the governor handed over 38 Toyota Hilux vans and 16 Prado Jeeps to security agencies in the state to bolster crime-fighting operations.
The commissioning ceremony, held in Benin City on Wednesday, was attended by Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff, Gani Audu; security chiefs, top government officials, and party chieftains.
Speaking at the event, Oshiomhole, who performed the official unveiling, praised Governor Okpebholo for swiftly delivering on his campaign promises within his first 100 days in office.
He noted, “Criminals are mobile, and security agencies must be equipped to match them. With these vehicles, our security forces will be more effective in tackling crime.”
Oshiomhole also commended Okpebholo’s leadership approach, highlighting that the vehicles were procured directly without the involvement of consultants or memoranda of understanding.
“Some past administrations that borrowed heavily could not even buy a single security vehicle. Yet, in just 100 days, you have achieved this for the people of Edo,” he said.
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The former governor further applauded Okpebholo’s revival of Edoline Transport Services, a state-run transport system initially established under the late Samuel Ogbemudia’s administration.
“I tried but couldn’t revive Edoline during my tenure. I was only able to establish the Edo City Transport Service (ECTS), known as Comrade Buses, for intra-city movement.
Seeing Edoline restored is a great achievement, and I’m sure Ogbemudia’s spirit is smiling down from heaven,” he added.
Former Edo State Governor emphasized that the revival of Edoline will introduce competition in the transport sector, providing Edo residents with more options for inter-state travel.
“No individual or private transport company can hold the people of Edo to ransom anymore because now, they have Edoline as an option,” he stated.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Betty Enekpen Isokpen Otimenyin, described the distribution of security vehicles as a crucial step in the state’s fight against crime.
“We appreciate the governor for matching words with action. These vehicles will greatly enhance our ongoing ‘Operation Rescue’ initiative, which is being carried out across Edo’s three senatorial districts,” she said.
She reassured residents that security forces would intensify patrols in key areas, including Ubiaja, Uromi, Auchi, Oluku, Ring Road, and Ramat Park, to strengthen safety measures.
Oshiomhole, while reflecting on his past political decisions, expressed regret over his previous support for Governor Godwin Obaseki and encouraged Governor Monday Okpebholo to stay committed to his current governance approach.
“When President Bola Tinubu sees what you are doing for the people of Edo, he will know you deserve all the support to do even more. You must work hard to not only develop the state in your tenure but also recover the lost eight years under Obaseki,” he added.