Senator Joseph Ikpea, representing Edo Central Senatorial District of Edo State, has said he is awaiting the release of funds from the Federal Government to facilitate the completion of ongoing constituency projects and commence work on other approved interventions across the district.
Ikpea, who reflected on his first year in the Senate, said several projects were at different stages of implementation, including a 7.6-kilometre electrification project along the Udo-Ewatto corridor, the construction and rehabilitation of healthcare facilities, a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) base and road maintenance works.
The senator explained that the release of an initial 30 per cent of allocated funds had enabled work to commence on some projects, but funding was required to sustain implementation and bring the projects to completion.
He expressed optimism that the release of outstanding funds by the Federal Government would accelerate work on ongoing projects and enable the commencement of other constituency interventions awaiting mobilisation.
Speaking in an interview, Ikpea said he remained committed to attracting development to Edo Central through legislative representation, budgetary provisions and engagement with relevant government agencies.
7.6km Electrification Project Nears Completion
Ikpea identified the 7.6-kilometre Udo-Ewatto electrification project as one of his major infrastructure interventions, disclosing that the project was nearing completion.
He said the project was designed to improve electricity supply to communities along the corridor, particularly residents who had experienced prolonged periods of inadequate power supply.
According to him, the project was captured in the appropriation process, while the release of 30 per cent of the allocated funds enabled implementation to begin.
He expressed confidence that additional funding would support the completion of the project and improve electricity access for residents and businesses in the benefiting communities.
The senator also disclosed that solar streetlight installations and other constituency projects were awaiting mobilisation funds, expressing hope that the release of the required resources would enable work to commence.
Healthcare Projects Await Mobilisation Funds
On healthcare, Ikpea listed the rehabilitation of a health centre in Ekpoma and the construction of a new health centre in Ewohimi among the projects awaiting the release of mobilisation funds.
He said the projects were intended to improve access to healthcare services and strengthen primary healthcare delivery across the district.
The senator stressed that the release of the required funds would enable contractors to commence work on the facilities, providing residents with improved access to essential medical services.
He added that healthcare infrastructure remained an important component of his constituency development agenda, particularly in communities where residents face challenges accessing medical facilities.
NSCDC Base, School Fencing Projects Underway
Ikpea also disclosed that construction of an NSCDC base along the Udo-Ewatto Road was ongoing.
He said the project was provided for in the 2025 budget, with the release of 30 per cent of the allocated funds enabling work to commence with the laying of the foundation.
According to him, the facility is expected to strengthen security infrastructure and support efforts to improve safety in the area.
The senator further listed the fencing of Arror Primary School in Uromi among projects currently underway, explaining that the intervention was intended to improve the safety of pupils and protect school facilities.
He expressed hope that additional funding would facilitate the timely completion of the ongoing projects and enable other approved interventions to progress.
FERMA Handles Road Maintenance Intervention
In another intervention, Ikpea disclosed that road maintenance work was ongoing along the Angle 90-Ubiaja-Okhuesan-Ewatto-Ewohimi-Ekpon corridor through his engagement with the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
The intervention is expected to address maintenance needs along the route, which connects several communities within Edo Central.
He also listed the rehabilitation of an army post along the Ewatto-Ubiaja Road among projects awaiting mobilisation.
Ikpea said his approach to constituency development involved identifying priority needs and engaging relevant government agencies to facilitate the provision of infrastructure and essential services.
He noted that while lawmakers do not directly execute every public infrastructure project, they can influence development through legislative initiatives, budgetary processes and engagement with the appropriate authorities.
Empowers 50 Constituents, Pursues Legislative Interventions
Beyond infrastructure, Ikpea said he had initiated a pilot empowerment programme designed to benefit 50 constituents drawn from the five local government areas in his senatorial district.
He explained that the initiative was intended to equip beneficiaries with skills and opportunities to improve their livelihoods.
The senator also highlighted motions and other legislative initiatives he had pursued to attract development to Edo Central, including a proposal concerning the establishment of a nuclear energy centre in the district.
He identified youth and women empowerment as important components of his constituency agenda, alongside electricity, healthcare, security and road infrastructure.
Calls for Public Enlightenment on Senators’ Responsibilities
Ikpea called for greater public understanding of the constitutional responsibilities of lawmakers, noting that some constituents did not fully understand the distinction between the legislative and executive arms of government.
He explained that senators could sponsor legislation, raise motions on issues affecting their constituencies, facilitate projects through the budgetary process and engage relevant authorities, while the execution of many public projects depended on the responsible agencies and the availability of funds.
To address the knowledge gap, he said he organised a town hall meeting on July 12, bringing together experts and individuals with governance experience to explain the responsibilities of elected representatives and the processes involved in project implementation.
He urged the media to sustain public enlightenment on governance, adding that better-informed citizens would have a clearer understanding of the legislative process and the funding requirements associated with project delivery.
Security, Agriculture and Infrastructure Remain Priorities
Looking ahead, Ikpea identified security, agriculture, healthcare, electricity and road infrastructure as priority areas requiring sustained attention.
He commended the Edo State Government’s efforts to address insecurity, claiming that incidents of kidnapping and other security-related challenges had reduced significantly.
According to him, improved security would support agricultural development by enabling farmers to access their farms and carry out their activities without fear.
He also acknowledged state government interventions in road infrastructure and healthcare, stressing the importance of cooperation between federal and state authorities in addressing the development needs of residents.
The senator expressed optimism that improved budget implementation and the timely release of funds by the Federal Government would enable him to complete ongoing constituency projects and facilitate additional interventions in Edo Central.
More Funding Key to Completing Projects
Ikpea reiterated his commitment to ensuring that ongoing projects deliver tangible benefits to constituents, noting that the next phase of implementation would depend partly on the release of additional funds for the projects.
He expressed hope that the Federal Government would release the outstanding funds required to sustain work on ongoing infrastructure projects and provide mobilisation funds for approved interventions yet to commence.
The senator said he remained focused on improving infrastructure, expanding access to essential services and creating economic opportunities across Edo Central.
He added that effective implementation of the 2027 budget, alongside the timely release of allocated funds, would be critical to completing ongoing projects and advancing further development initiatives across the senatorial district.
