Okpebholo’s Flyover Project Applauded as NSE Spotlights Infrastructure Solutions

The Executive Director of Corporate Services at the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, has emphasized the need for strategic reforms, policy integration, and private sector collaboration to bridge Nigeria’s critical infrastructure gap.

Speaking at the 8th Geoffrey Aiwerioba Memorial Public Lecture in Benin City, hosted by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ogbeide-Ihama applauded Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for current strides in infrastructure, citing the state’s first flyover as a symbol of positive change. He encouraged stakeholders, especially professional groups like the NSE, to actively support the government in driving development.

Presenting a paper titled “Bridging the Infrastructure Gap: Strategies for Sustainable Development in Edo State,” Ogbeide-Ihama stressed that infrastructure—including electricity, education, and healthcare—forms the backbone of economic growth. He urged the Edo government to fully utilize the new Electricity Act 2023, which allows states to generate, transmit, and distribute their own power.

He noted that residents must take greater ownership of development efforts, adding that with a collective approach, both Edo and the nation can achieve long-term prosperity.

The NDPHC executive also called for the expansion of local content policies across all sectors, not just in oil and gas, in order to boost domestic capacity and foster inclusive growth.

Also speaking at the event, the National President of the NSE, Aina Oguntala—represented by former president Ademola Olorunfemi—praised Governor Okpebholo’s infrastructure efforts. He particularly noted the Benin City flyover as a practical solution to traffic congestion.

In her remarks, Benin NSE Chairman Tina Oigiagbe described infrastructure as a society’s lifeblood, stressing that essential systems like roads, housing, electricity, and water are vital for meaningful and lasting development. While acknowledging the country’s many infrastructure challenges, she expressed optimism that visionary leadership and sound engineering practices could unlock transformative solutions.

The event, which drew participants from various sectors, also featured a quiz competition among secondary schools, with cash prizes awarded to top performers.