BENIN CITY — Osaro Eribo, the chairman of Edo State’s Egor Local Government Area, praised the federal government and Governor Monday Okpebholo yesterday for the manner in which local government funds are disbursed and the state government permits them to function.
According to Eribo, the monthly funding his council receives from the federal coffers is sufficient to operate the council.
After receiving construction equipment—a truck, payloader, and grader—that the 18 councils had collectively acquired for construction and other local needs, the chairman addressed reporters in the office.
He claimed that the money allotted to his council allows him to start two new projects each month in addition to paying employee salaries and benefits.
“I don’t think there is anything more to describe that when they talk about autonomy than what we are experiencing right now,” he added.
“I receive my monthly allocation from the FG on time, and because of that, I have never been unable to start two projects and pay salaries. Isn’t that already autonomy? Therefore, what the state governor is giving us is sufficient to work for the people.
“It’s okay what I get now. There were no projects to oversee when I arrived, but I have been receiving a sufficient amount of funding from the federal government to support my work.
Regarding the equipment, Eribo stated that he is the luckiest chairman since he will be able to grade the roads in the three remaining wards without having to pay outrageous fees for equipment.
He promised that when he worked harder for his workers, they would witness the effects of the equipment.
“I will say that when it comes to the issue of this equipment, I am the happiest person,” he continued. Prior to the arrival of these tools, I can confirm that the Egor local government was the only one with graded roads in seven of the ten wards.
Two weeks ago, when I knew the equipment would arrive, I was able to hire three operators. Each of them has more than 28 years of experience. Additionally, we have decided where to purchase high-quality diesel.
Together with council members, ward chairs, and community leaders, I have graded over 250 roads. These individuals determine which roads in their ward require immediate attention. Additionally, they are present while the tasks are being completed. As soon as the equipment has been fixed, we will start working in the wards that are yet unreached, which are 7, 9, and 10.
