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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, yesterday, stated that his first year in office has been about restoring trust, rebuilding foundations, and replacing PowerPoint governance with Practical Governance that touches lives and transforms communities.
The governor, who spoke during the celebration of his administration’s one year in office, said the administration has created over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs and launched a N1 billion interest-free loan scheme for small businesses and traders in the state.
He disclosed that the administration inherited over N600 billion in local and foreign debts and N180 billion owed to contractors, adding that through prudent management and transparency under our SHINE Agenda, the burden had been reduced significantly.
“Today’s celebration is not just about marking one year in office, but a testimony that God rules in the affairs of men.
“When I assumed office a year ago, I met a state weighed down by rot, debt, insecurity, and distrust. But with determination, prayer, and teamwork, we have begun to restore hope, rebuild institutions, and renew confidence in government.
“On Security, when we came in, Edo was almost a war zone, plagued by cult killings, kidnappings, armed robbery, and cybercrime. In 2024 alone, over 300 cult-related killings were recorded. We acted decisively, repealed the weak anti-cultism law, passed a stronger one, supplied 60 Hilux vans and 400 motorcycles to security agencies, and recruited and trained 2,500 officers into the Edo State Security Corps. These measures have drastically reduced insecurity. Let it be known: Edo will no longer be a safe place for criminals.”
On healthcare, Governor Okpebholo said his administration met a collapsing system where hospitals lacked drugs and workers morale was low.
“We have begun rebuilding from the ground up. We are constructing new Primary Health Centres in 18 wards, providing diagnostic machines across local governments, and building a new 100-bed Specialist Hospital in Udomi, Edo Central.
“On Infrastructure: We inherited deplorable roads and neglected communities. Within one year, we have awarded 28 new road projects totaling 255 kilometers. For the first time in Edo’s history, we are constructing two flyovers, at Ramat Park and Adesuwa-Sapele Road”, the governor disclosed.
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On Agriculture, Okpebholo announced that some months ago, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, urged State Governors to invest in agriculture to tackle food insecurity, saying “We took that counsel seriously, raising the agriculture budget from ₦4.5 billion to ₦57 billion. Today, over 400 hectares of farmland have been cultivated and harvesting has begun. This is Renewed Hope in Action and money budgeted for agriculture no longer end up in private pockets.”
On education, the governor said his administration met most schools in decay and children learning under poor conditions. “We immediately began school renovations and teacher recruitment. Today, 5,000 teachers have been permanently employed, and 63 schools have been upgraded to modern standards. We also increased Ambrose Alli University’s subvention from ₦41 million to ₦500 million monthly.
“On governance and institutions, we restored inter-governmental relationships by swearing in three judges previously sidelined, re-establishing the Customary Court, and strengthening our traditional institutions.”
Governor Okpebholo thanked President Bola Tinubu, for his guidance, leadership, and immense support, saying that without him, much of the state progress in the last one year would not have been possible.
Similarly, he thanked members of his cabinet, political appointees, and party leaders for their faith, loyalty, and hard work, just as he also thanked State’s traditional rulers and the people of the state for their love, patience, and prayers that have kept state moving.
“To our youths, this is your time. A new Edo has risen, and we will continue to create opportunities that secure your future. Together, let us keep shining the light of progress until every community in Edo feels the touch of Practical Governance.”
In a goodwill message, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Netawe Yilwatda, congratulated Okpebholo, saying, “We are proud of you, we congratulate the people of Edo State.”
Former governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, commended the synergy between the Executive arm and member of the State House of Assembly which he noted made the achievements in the first year possible.
He said Governor Okpebholo is giving practical evidence to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu through the projects he is executing, praising the flyover bridges for their economic value.
