Ex-Edo Dep Speaker, Oligbi-Edeko Inaugurates Police Station in Uromi To Bolster Security.

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Immediate past Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Mrs Maria Oligbi-Edeko, on Friday inaugurated a police station in Uromi the administrative headquarters of Esanland North local government area.

The facility, located within the premises of the Nigerian Institute of Construction Technology (NICT), was commissioned as part of her constituency intervention project.

Mrs Oligbi-Edeko had earlier inaugurated a 500KVA transformer in Efandion community, emphasising electricity’s vital role in economic growth and community development.

Oligbi-Edeko, who represents Esan North-East II in the State Assembly under the PDP, said the project addresses growing insecurity in the Uromi axis.

She emphasised that criminal activities around the NICT and its host communities have created deep concern for both students and residents, necessitating urgent intervention.

According to her, the security threats were beginning to endanger academic activities and livelihoods in the community, undermining progress and safety in the educational institution.

The lawmaker described the police station as a strategic move to restore law, order, and public confidence while deterring criminal elements threatening community peace.

“This intervention was conceived to protect lives, support education, and ensure safety of every stakeholder within Uromi and its surrounding areas,” she explained

She added that the presence of law enforcement officers will discourage cult activities, theft, and other vices previously reported around the institution and adjoining communities.

She mentioned that the newly inaugurated station, fully equipped with modern facilities and staffed, was expected to serve not only the institute but several neighbouring communities across Esanland.

Oligbi-Edeko said her commitment to grassroots development, youth empowerment, and institutional stability remained strong, even after completing her tenure as deputy speaker.

She also appealed to the community to collaborate with security operatives through timely information and mutual trust to ensure maximum benefit from the project.

Oligbi-Edeko reaffirmed that meaningful representation goes beyond lawmaking, stressing that community safety and education were foundations for sustainable development in any society.

She urged other public office holders to channel resources toward initiatives that solve real problems and touch lives at the grassroots level.

The lawmaker concluded by expressing hope that the police station would serve as a model for collaborative security infrastructure across Edo Central and beyond.

In his welcome address, the Rector of the Institute Oyakhiromhe Agbadua, commended Oligbi-Edeko for situating the police station within the institution.

He noted that the gesture was timely and strategic, as the school had faced persistent security challenges over the years, affecting academic activities and the safety of students.

The Governor of Edo, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, was represented by Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (Rtd), Chairman, Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Construction Technology.

Speaking on behalf of the governor, Gen. Esekhaigbe noted that enhancing security across Edo aligned with the administration’s five-point agenda for development and institutional safety.

He emphasised that any initiative aimed at tackling insecurity was welcomed and appreciated by the government, especially when it supports educational institutions and vulnerable communities across the state.

Also speaking at the event, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, commended the establishment of the station as timely and strategic for peace.

He assured that the police would fully utilize the facility to strengthen the existing security framework and ensure the safety of lives and property in Uromi.

The commissioner noted that the new station would serve as a deterrent to crime, improve policing in the community, and foster trust between residents and security agencies.

Goodwill messages poured in from dignitaries across the state, who praised Oligbi-Edeko’s leadership and commitment to sustainable development and grassroots empowerment.

Among the dignitaries was Bishop Matthew Okpebholo, who announced a generous donation of a N120 million project to the institution to celebrate his forthcoming birthday.

Guests at the event included traditional rulers, civil society leaders, youth representatives, and members of the academic community who pledged support for the security initiative