Traditional rulers laud Okpebholo

By Zika Bobby

Eziobe Traditional Council (ETC) has praised Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo for his exceptional leadership and remarkable achievements within his first year in office.

In a statement signed by the Secretary of the council, Sunday Saiki, the traditional rulers extolled the governor for demonstrating a clear vision for growth and for restoring the confidence of Edo people in government through visible and people-oriented projects.

The Council particularly applauded the governor for the ongoing reconstruction of the long-abandoned Auchi–Ikpeshi–Igarra–Ibillo Road, describing the project as a major economic lifeline for the people of Akoko-Edo and other travellers.

The monarchs noted that the road, when completed, would boost commerce, improve accessibility, and enhance the quality of life for residents and commuters along that corridor. They also commended the governor for the award of 28 new road contracts covering over 255 kilometres across the three senatorial districts of Edo State, as well as the commencement of the first-ever flyovers at Ramat Park and Adesuwa–Sapele Junction in Benin City.

The council hailed Okpebholo’s proactive approach to security, citing the enactment of a new anti-cultism law, the recruitment of over 2,500 operatives into the Edo State Security Network, and the provision of operational vehicles and motorcycles to security agencies across the state.

According to the Council, these initiatives have led to a significant reduction in crime and have made Edo safer for residents, investors, and visitors alike. The monarchs pledged continued collaboration with the state government and security agencies to ensure lasting peace in their domains.

The statement also stated the governor’s achievements in the health and education sectors, including the construction of new Primary Health Centres in rural communities, the establishment of a 100-bed Specialist Hospital in Udomi, and the deployment of diagnostic equipment to enhance medical care delivery across the state.

In education, the Council commended the employment of over 5,000 teachers, the rehabilitation of 63 public schools, and the increase of monthly subvention to Ambrose Alli University from ₦41 million to ₦500 million. These, the monarchs said, reflect the administration’s commitment to human capital development and the future of Edo’s youth.

The Council also praised the ₦1 billion interest-free loan scheme for small business owners and traders, as well as the governor’s renewed investment in agriculture — increasing the sector’s budget from ₦4.5 billion to nearly ₦70 billion, with over 400 hectares of farmland already cultivated and producing harvests.

“Governor Okpebholo’s leadership has brought a new wave of hope to our people,” the Council noted. “His focus on agriculture, education, and enterprise empowerment shows that Edo’s growth is being built on sustainability and inclusion.”

It concluded by reaffirming its total support for the administration’s agenda and pledging continuous partnership in the pursuit of peace, prosperity, and unity in Edo State.

“From Akoko-Edo to Esanland and Benin, our people now see government as a partner, not a distant authority. Governor Okpebholo has proven that with sincerity of purpose and fairness to all, Edo can once again take its pride of place as the heartbeat of the nation,” the Council declared.