In an attempt to enhance public transportation, Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has put 56 new Toyota Hiace buses into service for the state-owned transport company, Edoline.
The announcement is a component of a larger strategy to purchase 100 buses by the end of February. Additionally, the governor handed out 38 Toyota Hilux vans and 16 Prado Jeeps to security organizations in the state to strengthen crime-fighting efforts.
The commissioning ceremony, held in Benin City, on Wednesday, was attended by the 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, Oshiomhole unveiled the vehicles and commended Governor Okpebholo for his swift action in fulfilling campaign promises within his first 100 days in office.
He said, “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.”
He further lauded Okpebholo’s leadership style, noting that the vehicles were procured directly without relying 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 said.
Oshiomhole also commended Okpebholo’s plan to resurrect Edoline Transport Services, a state-owned transport system first established during the government 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,” he said.
The former governor added that the revival of Edoline would create competition in the transport sector, offering Edo residents more choices 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 timely intervention in the state’s 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 gave them the assurance that in order to maintain safety, police and other security forces would step up patrols in places including Ramat Park, Auchi, Ubiaja, Uromi, Ring Road, and Oluku.
While apologizing for his previous backing of Governor Godwin Obaseki, Oshiomhole advised Okpebholo to stick to his current course in politics.
“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 to not only develop the state in your tenure but also recover the lost eight years under Obaseki,” he added.
