The Executive Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government Council, Hon. Robert Akande Olumole, has hosted youths from Igarra under the aegis of the Special Men of Valour, popularly known as “Junction Boys,” to deliberate on the urgent need for repairs on the Rest House Road Bridge in Igarra.
According to the Chairman, the engagement was part of efforts to support the infrastructural renewal drive of the Edo State Government in line with the Sen. Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda. He stated that the focused on the deplorable condition of the bridge and the need for immediate intervention was to prevent probable danger to road users and residents plying the route.
Addressing the youths at his office in the Council Secretariat, the Council Chairman said the condition of the critical infrastructure was already receiving his attention in line with his campaign promises. He disclosed that he had earlier visited the area with the Council’s Team of engineers to assess the situation and explore possible measures for the immediate repair of the bridge.
The Chairman commended the Group for bringing the matter to the attention of the Council, describing its intervention as a demonstration of commitment to the development and wellbeing of the people. He assured them that the his administration was open to partnerships and constructive engagement with stakeholders as part of efforts to promote a new paradigm in local government administration.
Hon. Akande described the group as partners in progress and encouraged them to continue supporting initiatives that would contribute to the development of the Local Government Area, saying “Anything you can do to drive inclusiveness and the betterment of Akoko-Edo people is a welcome development.”
He also disclosed plans to strengthen environmental sanitation through appropriate legislation, particularly to address indiscriminate dumping of refuse in bridges and drainage channels.
Earlier, Mr. Olorunfemi Fredrick said the Group’s visit to the Council Secretariat was to congratulate the Chairman on his victory in the recent Local Government Council elections and his subsequent inauguration.
He drew the Chairman’s attention to the deplorable condition of the Rest House Road Bridge, noting that it serves as a major access route and link to Glory Land School in Igarra.
Mr. Ajugu Michael said the Group was aware that the Council Chairman had conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the area the previous week alongside the Council’s Team of engineers. While commending the Chairman for his concerns, he stressed the need for urgent intervention on the bridge pending the implementation of longer-term measures, including possible expansion of the structure.
Comrade Abass Abidemeh Samson described the Group as apolitical and committed to the wellbeing and development of the area. He pledged the Group’s preparedness to work Council to promote the interests and inclusiveness of the people of Akoko-Edo. He appealed to the Council Chairman to use the instrumentality of government to discourage indiscriminate dumping of refuse on bridges and in drainage channels, noting that such practices contribute to flooding.
He drew the Chairman’s attention to other areas requiring urgent government intervention to include the bad spot at Celestial Junction along the Igarra-Ikpeshi Federal Government Highway, the bad spot at the Cocoa Spot on Ugbogbo Road in Igarra, as well as the dilapidated Oloma Primary School. He also raised concerns about the condition of the Primary Healthcare Centre, which he said had become non-functional due to inadequate personnel.
On security, Mr. Ajugu called for measures to strengthen rapid response mechanisms within the LGA.
He urged the Council Administration to address the growing challenge of drug abuse among youths and to curb over-speeding by motorcycle riders among other road users.
