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From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has marked the state’s 35th anniversary with a pledge to accelerate investment in power, roads, education, healthcare and security, as the government granted transmission and distribution licences for a 100-megawatt power project expected to come on stream before the end of the year.
Okpebholo, in a message to Edo people at home and in the diaspora, described the anniversary as a celebration of unity, resilience and shared progress, saying his administration would pursue development through its SHINE Agenda.
The governor’s declaration came as the long-awaited 100MW power project in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area received a major boost with the issuance of electricity transmission and distribution licences to CCETC Ogua Energy Limited.
Commissioner for Power, Paul Usenbo, who presented the transmission licence certificate to the company in Benin City, said the government expected the remaining phase of the project to be completed and the facility commissioned before the end of 2026.
“The expectation is that the developers will complete the remaining phase and proceed to commissioning by the end of 2026,” Usenbo said.
Reflecting on Edo’s creation from the defunct Bendel State on August 27, 1991, Okpebholo said its 35th anniversary provided an opportunity to assess progress, consolidate existing gains and renew commitment to development.
“Edo’s 35 years represent both an achievement and a responsibility. We inherit a state with deep cultural roots, economic potential and people with proven capacity. Our task is to translate these assets into tangible improvements in the lives of Edo citizens,” he said.
The governor acknowledged the contributions of past administrations, traditional institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders to the state’s development.
On infrastructure, Okpebholo said road rehabilitation was ongoing across Edo, alongside construction of flyovers at Ikpoba Hill and Sapele Road in Benin City and other urban renewal projects.
Power, he said, would remain central to the administration’s strategy for attracting investment, supporting businesses and creating jobs.
He cited the 100MW power project and associated energy infrastructure being developed at the Taihu Industrial Park as important components of efforts to strengthen electricity supply and establish a more reliable energy base for industrial development.
“Reliable energy is critical to industrialisation and economic growth. We will continue to support investments that expand power generation and create the infrastructure required for businesses to thrive in Edo,” Okpebholo said.
Providing an update on the 100MW project, Usenbo said it had successfully met key prerequisites and timelines for its first phase, with attention now shifting to the second and final phase ahead of commissioning.
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He said relevant government authorities had continued to provide technical guidance and regulatory support while ensuring that the developers complied with standards, assessments and other conditions.
According to the commissioner, most major milestones are expected to be substantially achieved by October, barring unforeseen challenges or regulatory encumbrances.
Power-generation equipment was already arriving at the project site for installation, he said, expressing confidence that the generating units would become operational within the projected timeframe.
Usenbo, however, said the government could extend the completion deadline if significant challenges arose.
“If there are any encumbrances or challenges faced by this project, I will give an extension of time,” he said.
He said such an extension could push completion into the first quarter of 2027, although the government’s target remained commissioning before the end of this year.
Beyond power and infrastructure, Okpebholo said his administration had strengthened collaboration with security agencies to tackle criminal activities while upgrading healthcare facilities and training workers, particularly at primary healthcare centres.
He identified education as another priority, saying the government had increased subventions to Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, and Edo State University, Uzairue, to strengthen teaching and learning.
The administration had also commenced recruitment of teachers to address manpower shortages in public schools and improve access to quality education.
Okpebholo urged Edo people and other stakeholders to sustain their support and cooperation with the government, stressing that the anniversary should serve as a moment for both reflection and renewed action.
“This anniversary is an opportunity for introspection and recommitment. Edo’s future depends on our collective will to do the work — not in slogans, but in concrete action,” he said.
The governor wished Edo people peace, progress and prosperity and urged them to remain united in building a stronger state.
This integration gives the headline “power, roads, jobs” evidence immediately. The anniversary is the umbrella, while the fresh licensing of the 100MW plant becomes the hard-news peg demonstrating what the government says it is doing on the power component.
