Okpebholo to revive Edo Line transport company

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, yesterday, expressed a desire to revive the moribund Edo State Transport Company, Edo Line.

The governor disclosed this when he, alongside his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, inspected facilities at the abandoned government-owned transportation company located along Mission Road, Benin City.

Okpebholo, who was taken on a tour of the premises by the Fleet Manager of Move Monkey, Jaffar Inegbedion, said he was in the place to see things for himself and get first-hand information to revive the company for profitability.

The successive administrations, dating back to the era of ex-governor Adams Oshiomhole, had abandoned the government-owned transportation company, leaving it to rot.

Speaking at the company’s premises, the governor said: “I am here to inspect the Edo line facility, as this place has been abandoned for years, and to see how we can revive it and put it back to use. This place is bushy, and the place is completely abandoned.

“I am trying to find out if these vehicles here are the only assets of Edo Line. The few vehicles you are seeing now were more than this. I know they have more than 200 vehicles. We will look for those vehicles, get them back, and use them to revive this place.”

Meanwhile, Okpebholo, yesterday, also assured traditional rulers of his commitment to work closely with them saying: “We have started correcting the wrongs of the immediate-past administration.”

The governor also pledged readiness to tackle insecurity and other challenges at the grassroots. Okpebholo gave the assurance when he received traditional rulers from Edo North.

The governor, who thanked the traditional rulers for the visit, said they are veritable instruments of internal security.

He disclosed his administration’s respect for traditional institutions, recalling how, just a few days ago, he restored the statutory rights of the Oba of Benin.

He said: “I congratulate you for coming to see me. It is the right step in the right direction because royal fathers are strong instruments for internal security.

“History has shown that they were the first security officers of every community. This is how it ought to be because they know visitors and indigenes of their communities. My agenda is to work closely with you.

Source: The Guardian