Exclusive: Apst Johnson Suleman Undertakes Major Road Repairs on Auchi-Okene/Abuja Expressway

In a rare show of faith-driven community development, the General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministry, Apostle Prof. Johnson Suleman, has personally funded and supervised major road repair works along the Auchi–Okene/Abuja Expressway and Otaru Road, Auchi, Edo State.

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The intervention comes at a time when many Nigerians are lamenting deteriorating infrastructure, long delays in government projects, and the dangerous conditions of intercity highways.

The project has sparked praise from residents, motorists, and business owners who rely on these routes daily for access to markets, schools, and inter-state travel.

Why These Roads Matter

Auchi-Okene/Abuja Expressway: This corridor is a vital lifeline connecting Edo State with the North Central region, serving as a trade artery for agricultural produce, industrial goods, and inter-state commuters.

Its poor condition has historically contributed to frequent crashes, breakdowns, and traffic congestion.

Otaru Road, Auchi: A major urban access road within Auchi, linking communities to essential services, businesses, and Omega Fire Ministry headquarters. Its deterioration over the years has been a source of frustration for residents.

️ Scope of Repairs

According to local reports, Suleman’s intervention includes:

• Grading and resurfacing of damaged portions to restore motorability.
• Filling of deep potholes and erosion-prone sections, which were previously death traps for motorists.
• Drainage clearing to ensure rainwater does not continue to damage the rehabilitated sections.
• Reinforcement of road shoulders to withstand heavy-duty traffic common on the Auchi-Okene highway.

The project is being executed by skilled contractors under direct supervision from the church’s development committee, ensuring accountability and efficiency.

Voices From the Road

Motorists expressed relief that a faith-based initiative has stepped in where government response has been slow.

Ibrahim Musa, a commercial driver:

“For years, this expressway has been a nightmare. We spend hours in traffic because of bad spots, and accidents are too frequent. What Apostle Suleman is doing here is what government should have done long ago.”

Mrs. Patience Eze, a trader:

“Otaru Road is important for us. Customers used to avoid my shop  because they couldn’t pass. Now, with the repairs, business is improving.”

Faith and Development Intersect

Apostle Suleman is widely known for his humanitarian works, including scholarships, free fuel distributions, and social welfare programs. By extending his interventions into road repairs, he has deepened his role as not just a religious leader but also a community developer.

“This is not about religion; it is about service to humanity. People use these roads every day. If God blesses us, we should bless the community,”

Apostle Johnson reportedly told his congregation during a service.

Road Safety Context

According to FRSC statistics, Edo State ranked among the top five states with the highest road crash fatalities in 2024. Bad road conditions, especially along the Auchi–Okene axis, were frequently cited as contributing factors. Analysts say Suleman’s intervention, though limited in scale compared to government projects, will significantly reduce crashes, improve travel time, and lower vehicle maintenance costs for drivers.

Conclusion

Apostle Johnson Suleman’s initiative is more than a temporary fix, it is a symbolic call for responsibility, highlighting how individuals and institutions can step in to fill infrastructure gaps.

While residents welcome the effort, they also stress that state and federal governments must not abandon their duty to provide durable, large-scale road reconstruction across Edo and Nigeria at large.