A 2027 Edo State House of Assembly candidate, Saintmoses Eromosele, has questioned the rationale behind the proposed New Government Reserved Area (GRA) by Governor Monday Okpebholo, arguing that the state should prioritise the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure and pursue a broader economic development strategy.
Eromosele, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Esan Central Constituency, made the position known in an open letter dated October 30, 2026, addressed to Governor Okpebholo.
While acknowledging the governor’s ambition to expand housing and attract investment through the proposed New GRA, Eromosele argued that substantial attention should first be given to the rehabilitation of the existing GRA, which he said requires significant infrastructural intervention.
He referenced redevelopment proposals estimated at approximately ₦250 billion and the ₦27.79 billion reportedly allocated in the 2026 budget for flood control and road reconstruction in the existing GRA.
He subsequently challenged the state government to provide details of funds released and projects executed, questioning whether rehabilitation should not take precedence over major commitments to another residential estate.
Beyond the GRA debate, Eromosele used the opportunity to revisit his proposed Esan District City, which he said he had previously presented to the governor during the 2024 APC governorship primary campaign and subsequently developed into a concrete implementation proposal.
According to him, the proposed city, preferably located along the Ugbegun–Ebudin axis, would serve as an economic and administrative hub for Edo Central.
He explained that the initiative would integrate industries, agro-processing facilities, modern markets, information and communication technology, creative arts, cultural conservation, entertainment and events centres, housing, healthcare and educational institutions.
The proposed development would also accommodate the permanent seat of the District Senatorial Office, with the broader objective of stimulating employment, investment and economic activities across the district.
Proposes Greater Benin New City, Idia Island
Eromosele also called for a more ambitious approach to urban development in Edo South, suggesting that the proposed New GRA could become the residential nucleus of a larger Greater Benin New City along the Gelegele corridor.
He further proposed the development of a Benin Port City, potentially named Idia Island, which he envisaged as a major economic and commercial destination comparable in ambition to Victoria Island in Lagos.
He stressed, however, that such a project would require proper environmental, geographical and economic feasibility assessments.
Rather than developing another standalone residential estate, he argued that the state should consider an integrated urban development model incorporating housing, industries, commerce, logistics and essential infrastructure.
Calls for Three District Cities Across Edo
The Esan Central constituency candidate further proposed a three-district urban and economic development strategy that would see Edo State progressively establish:
– Esan District City in Edo Central.
– Greater Benin New City/Benin Port City in Edo South.
– Afemai District City in Edo North.
He described the initiative as a potential framework for balanced development across the three senatorial districts, noting that phased implementation and public-private partnerships could make the projects financially manageable and sustainable.
While acknowledging the ₦20.5 billion allocated for roads and bridges in Edo Central in the 2026 budget, Eromosele maintained that individual infrastructure projects should form part of a comprehensive economic transformation plan.
Says 2027 Assembly Bid Driven by Governance Concerns
Explaining his decision to contest the 2027 Edo State House of Assembly election, Eromosele said his ambition was driven partly by the need for stronger legislative oversight, credible policy alternatives and constructive engagement with the executive arm of government.
He maintained that legislators should neither function as rubber stamps for executive decisions nor become unnecessary antagonists of the governor.
According to him, effective governance requires independent legislative scrutiny and constructive contributions, regardless of political differences.
Requests 90-Day Independent Assessment
As part of his recommendations, Eromosele called for an independent technical and economic assessment within 90 days to compare the rehabilitation of the existing GRA, the proposed New GRA and his District City development initiative before major financial commitments are made.
He also urged the Edo State House of Assembly to exercise its oversight responsibilities by independently scrutinising the proposals and their financial implications.
The NDC candidate expressed willingness to resubmit his proposals and contribute to their technical and policy evaluation.
He concluded by arguing that while another GRA could expand Benin City’s residential capacity, the development of three productive district cities could have a more transformative impact on Edo State’s economy.
“Let us repair what we have, develop what we need, and build what will serve generations,” he urged.
Eromosele described his ambition as providing a stronger voice for Esan Central and advocating a development model that would create lasting economic opportunities across Edo State.
