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Schoolchildren’s Excursion to Edo Flyover Draws Mixed Reactions Online

Written by

Promise Odejide

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A group of schoolchildren in Edo State were taken on an excursion to the newly completed Ramat Park Flyover in Benin City, a development that has generated mixed reactions on social media.

The visit, which involved pupils and members of the scout movement, was captured in a viral video showing the children touring the flyover and speaking about their experience.

Pupils Express Excitement During Visit

In the video, some of the pupils described the excursion as their first opportunity to see and walk on a flyover.

One of the pupils, Favour Chukwuma, said she had only seen flyovers in movies before the visit, while another student, Vanessa Ikuobase, expressed appreciation for the experience.

A scout member, Williams Iseghaleh, also commended the project and praised the state government for completing the infrastructure.

Flyover Built to Ease Traffic Challenges

The Ramat Park Flyover, located around the Ikpoba Hill axis of Benin City, was constructed to address traffic congestion and flooding in the area.

The project serves as a major link between important routes, including the Benin-Auchi and Benin-Asaba expressways.

The flyover is one of the flagship infrastructure projects undertaken by the administration of Monday Okpebholo since assuming office in November 2024.

Residents and motorists have reportedly welcomed the project, citing improvements in traffic movement and commercial activities around the corridor.

Social Media Reactions Remain Divided

The excursion has attracted contrasting opinions online.

Supporters described the outing as a form of civic education that exposes children to public infrastructure and engineering projects. Some argued that such experiences could inspire interest in careers related to construction, architecture and engineering.

Critics, however, questioned why a flyover was chosen as an excursion destination, arguing that school trips are traditionally associated with museums, factories, zoos, science centres and other educational facilities.

Others suggested that the widespread attention given to the visit reflects broader conversations about infrastructure development and public expectations in Nigeria.

Debate Extends Beyond the Excursion

Beyond the excursion itself, the development has reopened discussions about governance, infrastructure delivery and educational priorities in Edo State.

While supporters view the flyover as evidence of tangible development, critics see the reactions surrounding the excursion as a reflection of deeper challenges facing public infrastructure across the country.

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