Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has assured welders and other artisans in the state that his administration is taking steps to improve electricity supply and create a more favourable environment for small businesses to thrive.
The governor gave the assurance while receiving leaders of the Edo State chapter of the Welders Association during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Benin City.
He acknowledged that unreliable power supply remained a major challenge affecting artisans and promised that ongoing interventions would address the problem.
Okpebholo disclosed that a 100-megawatt power project was already under construction in Ologbo, saying the facility was expected to significantly improve electricity availability in the state when completed.
He added that similar decentralised power initiatives were being planned for Edo North and Edo Central senatorial districts as part of efforts to provide sustainable energy solutions for businesses and residents.
The governor also assured the welders that major infrastructure projects, including the Benin-Sapele Road rehabilitation, would be completed soon.
He said the road project was already about 90 per cent completed and would support economic activities across the state.
Beyond power and infrastructure, Okpebholo announced plans to distribute 200 government buses across the 18 local government areas, with beneficiaries expected to pay gradually through an instalment arrangement.
He said his administration’s goal was to leave Edo State with improved infrastructure, enhanced security and a more inclusive economy where residents and businesses could operate successfully.
The governor also praised President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, including fuel subsidy removal and tax reforms, describing them as measures aimed at redirecting resources towards development and supporting citizens.
Earlier, President of the Edo Welders Association, Peter Osagie, identified poor electricity supply as the group’s biggest challenge and appealed for government support in establishing a dedicated “welder village” for artisans in the state.
Osagie also revealed that the association had developed training programmes across all 18 local government areas to engage out-of-school youths and provide them with vocational skills.
He called for stronger partnership with the state government to expand the initiative.
The association pledged its support for the Okpebholo administration and expressed willingness to contribute to government efforts aimed at improving economic opportunities for artisans and young people across Edo State.
