BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has issued a stern warning to contractors handling government projects across the state, declaring that future jobs will be awarded strictly on the basis of performance, quality and speed of execution.

The governor made the position clear on Tuesday during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting with major contractors at the Government House, Benin City, where ongoing infrastructure projects were reviewed against agreed timelines, quality benchmarks and accountability standards.

Governor Okpebholo stressed that his administration’s loyalty lies with the people of Edo State, not contractors, insisting that contract awards are meaningless without diligent supervision and proper execution.

He noted that while work was ongoing at several sites, the pace of delivery on some projects remained unsatisfactory.

“One thing is to award a contract, another thing is to follow up, and the third is execution,” the governor said.

“I have been visiting project sites and I can see work in progress, but I am not happy with the pace of some of the projects. Projects that are seven to nine months old should show more visible progress.”

While commending companies such as CCECC and Setraco for improved performance, the governor dismissed claims that funding constraints were responsible for delays, stating categorically that contractors had been paid promptly.

“I can say it authoritatively that no contractor’s payment has been delayed. Nobody lobbied us to get paid,” he said. “So if we are paying you quickly, you must also work fast and complete projects within the agreed time.”

Governor Okpebholo also warned against substandard work and attempts to seek contract revaluation, vowing that his administration would not entertain such requests.

“I don’t delay payments because I don’t want any form of revaluation. If you come tomorrow to say I should reevaluate your contract, I will never do it,” he said. Since payment is not delayed, you must deliver as agreed.”

He further declared that contractors who meet expectations would be rewarded with additional jobs, while those who fall short would be sidelined.

“The faster and better you perform, the faster we give you new projects. If you are not doing well, you will not get another job,” the governor warned. “We want projects that will last for Edo people, so that the next governor in 10 or 20 years will focus on other priorities.”

Citing recent inspections of Church Road and Ekenhuan Road in Benin City, the governor expressed concern over construction quality and inadequate drainage designs, directing that proper drainage systems must be provided on both sides of Ekenhuan Road to ensure durability and prevent premature damage.

Earlier, the Special Adviser on Projects, Phoebe-William Bello, and the Commissioner for Works, Dr Felix Akhabue, commended the governor for convening the meeting, describing it as a proactive engagement aimed at accelerating project delivery, particularly during the dry season.

Speaking on behalf of the contractors, Mr Nazilh Nasr of NAFRO Nigeria Limited, handlers of the Benin Technical Road project, praised Governor Okpebholo for prompt payment of certificates, noting that although the project began under the previous administration, the present government had ensured its smooth continuation.

“The previous government delayed our payment, but since this administration came in, our payments have always been made. The government does not owe us,” he said.

Other dignitaries at the meeting included retired General Cecil Esekhaigbe, APC leader for Esan Central Senatorial District, and the APC State Deputy Chairman, Mr Sylvester Aigbobo.

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by contractors to accelerate work, strictly adhere to approved designs and quality standards, and maintain close communication with the Ministry of Works to promptly address emerging challenges.

Meanwhile,Governor Monday Okpebholo has commissioned the reconstructed Oredo Girls Secondary School, Awo Street, off First East Circular Road, Benin City, bringing to an end years of neglect and abandonment of the facility.

The governor was received by jubilant students and staff, who expressed gratitude to the Okpebholo administration for reviving what they described as a long-abandoned project and restoring hope to the school community.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Okpebholo said the visible improvement in staffing and infrastructure was evidence that his administration’s intervention in the education sector was yielding positive results.

“One thing that gives me joy today is the number of teachers I am seeing in this school.

‘I remember that some time ago, when I visited, I saw just two or three teachers here. Today, I am seeing over 20 teachers, and that shows that we are moving in the right direction,” the governor said.

He assured the school community of government’s commitment to addressing outstanding challenges, particularly power supply.

“As I have said, we are going to fix the light problem in this school. We will do our best to ensure this place is properly fixed for the betterment of our children,” Okpebholo added.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Paddy Iyamu, described the project as a clear example of “practical governance in action,” noting that the school had previously become an eyesore and a hotspot for undesirable activities.

“When His Excellency came into office, this place was an eyesore associated with nefarious activities. But the governor gave a clear instruction, declaring a state of emergency in our schools,” Iyamu said.

According to him, the directive was aimed at ensuring that every child in Edo State has access to education in a safe and conducive environment.

“The instruction was clear: every child in Edo State must go to school in a conducive environment. What you are seeing today is a testament to a governor who is committed and passionate about education,” he added.
Iyamu thanked the governor on behalf of the students and the education sector for prioritising school rehabilitation across the state.

A student of the school, Osarunwense, expressed excitement over the transformation of the facility, describing the previous structures as dilapidated before the governor’s intervention changed the outlook and beauty of the school.

The commissioning of the reconstructed Oredo Girls Secondary School forms part of the Okpebholo administration’s broader agenda to revamp public schools and improve the quality of education in Edo State.