BENIN: Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has announced an unprecedented recruitment exercise to absorb large numbers of youths into the State Civil Service, a move aimed at tackling unemployment and accelerating grassroots development.
The Governor made the announcement in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, during an All Progressives Congress APC campaign rally for the Edo Central Senatorial bye-election set for August 16, 2025.
“My passion to serve is driven by love for my people,” Okpebholo declared. “If I do not develop my home, no one else will.”
He revealed that beyond job creation, his administration is rolling out transformative projects in Edo Central, including an ultra-modern market in Irrua, dualization of the Ekpoma–Ubiaja road and extension of a 33kv power line to end years of erratic electricity supply.
Recalling his brief but impactful stint as Senator, the Governor credited his intervention—alongside President Bola Tinubu—for reviving the Benin–Auchi–Okene road reconstruction.
He urged residents to back Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, calling him “a leader who loves Edo State.”
Okpebholo also directed the renovation of Eguare-Ugbegun Primary School in Ward 10 and praised Irrua residents for defending the integrity of past elections.
“I came here to thank you and assure you I’m ready to serve. You resisted rigging, and we won resoundingly,” he told the cheering crowd.
The Governor disclosed that Secretary to the State Government Barr. Musa Ikhilor will oversee the recruitment process. “We are going to massively employ our young people. Creating employment for our youths is the best gift we can give them,” he stressed.
The rally drew prominent APC leaders, including Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (retd.), APC Deputy State Chairman Sylvester Aigboboh, and senatorial candidate Hon. Joseph Ikpea, in a show of strength ahead of the polls.
