Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has distributed 17 brand new 2025 model Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to chairmen of local government areas in the state, in what he described as a renewed commitment to strengthening grassroots governance.
The event, held on Saturday in Benin City, saw the governor hand over the vehicles alongside Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa and other top state officials.
In his remarks, Mr Okpebholo reiterated that his administration would not tamper with local government allocations, stressing that local councils are now fully empowered to steer development in their domains.
“My administration will not interfere with council funds. I have chosen to allow the local governments function freely and lead development at the grassroots,” the governor said.
He criticised past administrations for allegedly sidelining the third tier of government, noting that the SUVs were part of a broader initiative to reposition the councils for improved service delivery.
“This marks a new era. These vehicles are tools for work, not luxury. We will closely monitor their use to ensure they serve the people,” he warned.
According to him, the gesture signifies progress under the current dispensation and aligns with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, under whom he believes Edo will soon rival Lagos and Abuja in infrastructure and development.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lucky Eseigbe, praised the governor’s approach to decentralised governance, noting visible improvements across the 18 LGAs, including new classrooms, roads, and health centres.
“This is the first time in the history of Edo State that all local government chairmen are being equipped with brand new SUVs,” Mr Eseigbe said.
He added that the respect for council autonomy has translated into real impact at the grassroots.
Governor Okpebholo concluded by calling on the chairmen to justify the investment with improved performance, noting that accountability would be benchmarked against the financial resources allocated to each council.
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