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From Tony Osauzo and Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
President Bola Tinubu has assured Edo State of continued federal support in roads, healthcare, energy, agriculture, entrepreneurship and security, as Governor Monday Okpebholo marked his second year in office.
The President’s message was delivered by Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential rally, which also coincided with the second anniversary celebration of the Okpebholo administration, held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
Shettima said the Federal Government would keep to its understanding with Edo people, saying no serious effort to close Nigeria’s infrastructure gap can succeed without the state.
“We have come to assure you that you can count on us too. When we came to you four years ago, we said we could not address our nation’s infrastructure deficit without carrying Edo State along. We have not abandoned that agreement,” the Vice-President stated.
He said work had started on the dualisation of roads to Ekpoma, Auchi and Okpella, as well as the Benin-Agbor-Sapele road, adding that the Federal Government was determined to build more roads in the state.
The Vice-President also spoke of federal support for Edo in healthcare, energy, entrepreneurship, agriculture and security. He pointed to ongoing efforts to secure the return of Benin artefacts and the transfer of ownership of the Benin treasures to Nigeria.
Shettima praised the governor’s performance in office, saying Okpebholo had made the APC proud. According to him, President Tinubu holds the governor in high regard and has backed him to serve the people of Edo.
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In his remarks, Governor Okpebholo pledged that Edo State would deliver for the President in the January 2027 political contest, citing what he described as Mr Tinubu’s contributions to the state.
“In Edo State, we are ready to deliver come January 2027. The President has done so much for Edo people. Today, we don’t owe salaries. We don’t owe pensioners. Construction work is going on everywhere,” the governor said.
He said the visible construction across the state was proof of his administration’s commitment to development and the welfare of workers.
Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, congratulated Okpebholo for two years in office and commended his efforts towards the development of the state.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, also spoke at the event.
The presidential rally brought together top government officials, APC national and state leaders, political stakeholders and residents to assure the President of the commitment of Edo people to deliver on their promise of 2.5 million votes for the re-election of Tinubu in 2027.
