Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has slammed his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, for deceptively commissioning projects that were nowhere near completion.
Expressing strong displeasure over the commissioning of uncompleted projects by Obaseki, Okpebholo described the action as a disservice to Edo people and a clear attempt to mask inefficiency.
Speaking during an on-the-spot inspection of the uncompleted Stella Obasanjo Hospital and the Education Hub Complex at Iyaro, Governor Okpebholo said he was shocked by the extent of uncompleted work in facilities that were publicly declared “commissioned” under the last administration.
He promised to complete the projects and ensure they serve their intended purpose before the end of the year.
The Governor, who was accompanied by top government officials, said the visit was to obtain first-hand information on the state of infrastructure across key sectors, particularly health and education.
According to him, his administration is committed to restoring integrity in governance by completing all abandoned or half-done projects for the benefit of Edo citizens.
“I do not know why the previous administration commissioned this hospital when work was still ongoing,” Okpebholo said in dismay. “It is wrong to mislead the people with such gestures. Our duty is to finish what was started and ensure that Edo people get full value for every naira spent.”
At the Stella Obasanjo Hospital, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, who conducted the Governor around the facility, disclosed that the hospital was barely 60 percent completed, noting that many of the hospital beds were old and recycled from the previous structure.
“We have gone round the facility with His Excellency, and it’s clear that the hospital is far from completion,” Dr. Oshiomole said. “The Governor has, however, directed that all necessary work be accelerated to bring it to 100 percent completion as quickly as possible.”
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing the hospital before Christmas, assuring Edo residents that the facility would soon be fully equipped and opened to the public.
“A lot of work has been done, but much more is left,” the Governor noted. “The administrative block and the theatre are still incomplete. However, between now and Christmas, we will ensure this hospital is activated and serving Edo people.”
At the Iyaro Education Hub, the Governor expressed similar disappointment, stating that the former administration’s decision to commission the complex was both premature and misleading.
“This building was hurriedly commissioned without power, equipment, or any operational capacity,” Okpebholo lamented. “It is sad because there was really nothing to commission. Our focus now is to make this place fully functional, restore its purpose, and breathe life into the Ministry of Education.”
He further disclosed that his government will mobilize contractors within weeks to begin work at the Iyaro complex after taking full inventory of what is required to operationalize the facility.
Contractor handling the project, George Bou Maroon, explained that the complex is designed to centralise all educational activities in the state, housing offices for the Ministry of Education, SUBEB, a Library Board, Auditorium, Staff Restaurants, and other Administrative Units.
Governor Okpebholo reiterated that his administration remains focused on accountability, transparency, and tangible results, promising that the era of “cosmetic governance” and “deceptive commissioning” is over in Edo State.
“We are not here to play politics with the lives of Edo people,” he declared. “Our mission is to rebuild, restore, and ensure every project serves the people. Edo people deserve honesty and visible progress, and that is exactly what this administration will deliver.”
