By Eguaoba Justina and Vera Aigbovorhiuwa
The Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Kassim Afegbua; with the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Rt. Hon. Festus Ebea Odianosen; and the Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Uwuilekhue Idehen; has briefed members of the media on key government initiatives, security matters, civil service employment, and new transportation regulations, aimed at improving service delivery and public order across the State.
The briefing, which held at the Ministry of Information and Strategy in Benin City, focused on addressing misinformation, highlighting achievements of the State Government, and informing residents about recently introduced traffic and transportation measures, toward alleviating the plight of residents occasioned by indiscriminate parking and use of roads by motorists.
Hon. Afegbua decried the circulation of false reports on a recent incident at a stadium during the Children’s Day celebration, where some media platforms erroneously reported fatalities among pupils. He clarified that 17 pupils were affected by the incident, with 15 discharged from the hospital on the same day and the remaining two discharged the following day, after receiving medical attention at the expense of the caring Edo State Government, led by Sen. Monday okpebholo.
“The children are all safe and healthy. We urge media practitioners to verify information before publication and continue to play their role in educating the public rather than spreading misinformation,” Hon. Afegbua guided.
The Commissioner for Information disclosed that the Edo State Government is up to date in the payment of teachers’ salaries and owes no outstanding wages. He added that over 5,000 teachers who had previously served as casual workers under the past administration have been absorbed into the State’s permanent workforce. He also announced the employment of an additional 2,000 health workers, noting that the administration of Sen. Okpebholo remains committed to strengthening critical sectors and improving the welfare of residents in the State.
On security concerns, the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Rt. Hon. Festus Ebea Odianosen, also raised concerns over the damage of social media in spreading false information. He warned against the dissemination of fake news, particularly on security-related issues, noting that law enforcement agencies have been directed to take appropriate action against individuals found deliberately spreading false information capable of causing panic or undermining public peace.
According to Rt. Hon. Ebea, despite attempts to portray the State negatively, Edo remains one of the most peaceful states in the Country due to the State Government’s sustained investment in security and public safety.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Uwuilekhue Idehen, announced the enforcement of new Transportation and Traffic Management Regulations aimed at enhancing safety, reducing congestion, and promoting a more organized transport system. He disclosed that unbranded commercial vehicles are prohibited from operating within the State, while commercial drivers are no longer permitted to park or load passengers at unauthorized locations.
Hon. Idehen stated that the offloading of goods in major urban centres is restricted during designated hours to ease traffic flow, while motorcycles and tricycles are prohibited from operating on designated highways within the metropolis. He announced that major roads across the State will no longer be used for private ceremonies and social events, as part of efforts to ensure free movement of traffic and improve road safety.
The Transportation Commissioner explained that the measures are in line with the Governor’s SHINE Agenda, which seeks to modernize the Transportation Sector, improve traffic management, upgrade transport infrastructure, and create a safer environment for road users.
The Commissioners reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to transparency, security, infrastructure development, and improved service delivery, while urging residents to support ongoing reforms by the State Government, which are aimed at advancing the growth and development of Edo State.