Okpebholo's First Year in Office: Edo's Foundations Rebuilt

The governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, mentioned that his initial year in power has focused on rebuilding confidence, reinforcing stru...

The governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, mentioned that his initial year in power has focused on rebuilding confidence, reinforcing structures, and moving away from PowerPoint-based administration to real-world governance that impacts people and enhances communities.

The leader made this statement while addressing the event marking the first anniversary of his tenure at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City.

He mentioned that his administration has also generated more than 10,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities and introduced a ₦1 billion interest-free loan program for small businesses and traders within the state.

Okpebholo mentioned that his government took over more than ₦600 billion in domestic and international debts, along with ₦180 billion owed to contractors, and stated that through careful management and openness under the SHINE Agenda, the load had been considerably lowered.

He stated, "The current celebration is not merely about commemorating one year in power, but it serves as evidence that God governs the matters of humanity."

When I took office a year ago, I encountered a nation burdened by decay, financial obligations, uncertainty, and lack of trust. However, through perseverance, faith, and collaboration, we have started to bring back hope, reconstruct institutions, and reestablish trust in the government.

On Security, when we took office, Edo was nearly a war zone, affected by cult-related murders, abductions, armed theft, and online crime. In 2024 alone, more than 300 deaths linked to cults were documented. We took firm action, abolished the ineffective anti-cult law, introduced a more robust one, provided 60 Hilux vehicles and 400 motorcycles to security agencies, and trained and hired 2,500 officers into the Edo State Security Corps. These steps have significantly lowered crime. Understand this: Edo will no longer be a haven for criminals.

Regarding healthcare, Okpebholo mentioned that his administration encountered a deteriorating system, with hospitals lacking essential medications and staff morale being at a low point.

"We have started reconstructing from scratch. We are establishing new Primary Health Centres across 18 local government areas, supplying diagnostic equipment, and constructing a new 100-bed Specialist Hospital in Udomi, Edo Central," he said.

He stated, "We took over deteriorating roads and overlooked neighborhoods. In just one year, we have approved 28 new road initiatives covering 255 kilometers. For the first time in Edo's history, we are building two flyovers — one at Ramat Park and another on Adesuwa-Sapele Road."

Regarding agriculture, Okpebholo stated that some time ago, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, called on state governors to focus on agriculture to address food shortages, adding, “We took this advice seriously, increasing the agriculture budget from ₦4.5 billion to ₦57 billion. Now, more than 400 hectares of farmland have been planted and harvests have started. This is Renewed Hope in Practice, and funds allocated for agriculture are no longer diverted to private accounts.”

Regarding education, the governor stated that his administration found most schools in disrepair and children studying in substandard environments.

We quickly started school improvements and hiring teachers. Now, 5,000 teachers are permanently employed, and 63 schools have been brought up to modern standards. We also raised the funding for Ambrose Alli University from ₦41 million to ₦500 million per month.

He further stated, 'We revived inter-governmental ties by appointing three judges who had been previously overlooked, reinstated the Customary Court, and reinforced our traditional institutions.'

Okpebholo expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for his direction, leadership, and significant assistance, stating that without his involvement, many of the state's advancements over the past year would not have been achievable.

In the same way, he expressed gratitude to members of his cabinet, political appointees, and party leaders for their trust, devotion, and efforts, just as he also acknowledged the state's traditional leaders and the citizens of the state for their affection, tolerance, and prayers that have sustained the state's progress.

"To the young people, this is your moment. A New Edo has emerged, and we will keep on building opportunities that ensure your future. United, let us keep illuminating the path of progress until every community in Edo experiences the impact of Effective Leadership," the governor stated.

In a message of goodwill, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Netawe Yilwatda, praised Okpebholo, stating, "We are proud of you, and we extend our congratulations to the people of Edo State."

From his side, the former Governor of the state and Senator for Edo North, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, praised the collaboration between the Executive branch and members of the State House of Assembly, which he highlighted contributed to the accomplishments during the first year.

He stated that Okpebholo is demonstrating the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu via the initiatives he is implementing, commending the flyover bridges for their economic significance.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).