After 30 Years, Governor Okpebholo Reclaims Lost Road, Eases Ikpoba Hill Traffic
For the first time in over three decades, residents of the Iwogban Community in Benin City are celebrating a long-awaited breakthrough, as a vital access road—once consumed by erosion—has been fully reclaimed and reopened by the Edo State Government under Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Led by the Edo State Flood, Erosion and Watershed Management Agency (EdoFEWMA), the project has transformed what was once an impassable gully into a fully constructed motorable road, linking Temboga through Erhunmwunse to House of Prayer, and connecting further to Lucky Way. This new corridor now provides a critical alternative route for motorists heading to Aduwawa and other parts of the city, significantly reducing the notorious traffic congestion around Ikpoba Hill and Oregbeni Market.
The development is one of the first major infrastructure milestones under Governor Okpebholo’s administration, achieved within just six months in office. Residents have lauded the Governor’s decisive action and the relief it brings to daily commuting and local businesses.
“We suffered for years,” said Madam Josephine Eguomo, a resident of Erhunmwunse for over 30 years. “The gully was so deep, even motorcycles avoided the area. We felt forgotten. Today, we feel remembered. The road is back, the fear is gone, and we are grateful.”
Beyond restoring road access, the intervention also includes the construction of critical drainage infrastructure aimed at controlling erosion and preventing future damage. EdoFEWMA has urged residents to protect the new infrastructure and ensure proper maintenance through community collaboration.
Governor Okpebholo’s administration has reaffirmed its commitment to equitable development and urban resilience. This road project not only reconnects communities but symbolizes the government’s broader mission to reverse years of neglect and restore dignity across Edo State.
