Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has inaugurated 56 new Toyota Hiace buses for Edoline, the state-owned transport service, to enhance public transportation.
This initiative is part of a larger plan to expand the fleet to 100 buses by the end of February.
In addition, Governor Monday Okpebholo handed over 38 Toyota Hilux vans and 16 Prado Jeeps to security agencies in Edo State to strengthen crime-fighting efforts.
The commissioning ceremony took place on Wednesday in Benin City and was attended by Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff, Gani Audu; security chiefs; top government officials; and party chieftains.
Speaking at the event, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who officially unveiled the vehicles, praised Governor Monday Okpebholo for swiftly delivering on his campaign promises within his first 100 days in office.
He stated, “Criminals are mobile, and security agencies must be equipped to match them. With these vehicles, our security forces will be more effective in tackling crime.”
Oshiomhole commended Okpebholo’s leadership style, highlighting that the vehicles were procured directly without reliance on consultants or memoranda of understanding.
“Some past administrations that borrowed heavily could not even buy a single security vehicle. Yet, in just 100 days, you have achieved this for the people of Edo,” he remarked.
He also applauded Okpebholo’s initiative to revive Edoline Transport Services, a state-owned transport system originally established during the administration of the late Samuel Ogbemudia.
“I tried but couldn’t revive Edoline during my tenure. I was only able to establish the Edo City Transport Service (ECTS), known as Comrade Buses, for intra-city movement. Seeing Edoline restored is a great achievement, and I’m sure Ogbemudia’s spirit is smiling down from heaven,” Oshiomhole said.
He added that the revival of Edoline would foster competition in the transport sector, giving Edo residents more options for inter-state travel.
“No individual or private transport company can hold the people of Edo to ransom anymore because now, they have Edoline as an option,” he stated.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Betty Enekpen Isokpen Otimenyin, described the provision of security vehicles as a crucial intervention in the fight against crime.
“We appreciate the governor for matching words with action. These vehicles will greatly enhance our ongoing ‘Operation Rescue’ initiative, which is being carried out across Edo’s three senatorial districts,” she said.
She assured residents that the police and other security agencies would step up patrols in key areas such as Ubiaja, Uromi, Auchi, Oluku, Ring Road, and Ramat Park to enhance public safety.
Oshiomhole, while reflecting on his past support for Governor Godwin Obaseki, expressed regret and urged Governor Okpebholo to stay committed to his current path of governance.
“When President Bola Tinubu sees what you are doing for the people of Edo, he will know you deserve all the support to do even more. You must work hard not only to develop the state during your tenure but also to recover the lost eight years under Obaseki,” he added.
