BENIN: Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared that his administration has restored hope, rebuilt institutions and renewed the confidence of citizens in government as the state marks one year of transformational leadership under his watch.
Speaking in Benin City during the anniversary celebration, Governor Okpebholo said his government haa moved Edo from “a state of despair to a story of courage and measurable progress,” pledging to deepen reforms across key sectors of the economy.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor said his administration inherited a state weighed down by debt, insecurity and public distrust but has since laid a solid foundation for inclusive growth.
“We came determined to restore hope, and by the grace of God, we have done just that. We replaced PowerPoint governance with Practical Governance that touches lives, revives faith, and renews communities,” he said.
On security, the governor said Edo was once “almost a war zone,” plagued by cultism, armed robbery and kidnappings, with more than 300 cult-related killings recorded in 2024. “We acted decisively,” he said.
“We repealed the weak anti-cultism law, enacted a stronger one, equipped our security agencies with 60 Hilux vans and 400 motorcycles, and recruited 2,500 officers into the Edo State Security Corps. Today, Edo is safer, calmer, and no longer a sanctuary for criminals.”
Citing progress in healthcare, Okpebholo said his administration met a collapsing system but had begun to transform it with the construction of new Primary Health Centres across all 18 local government areas, the provision of diagnostic facilities, and the establishment of a new 100-bed Specialist Hospital in Udomi, Edo Central.
“Our goal is to make quality healthcare accessible to every Edo citizen,” he stated.
The governor also listed significant achievements in infrastructure, noting that 28 new road projects covering over 255 kilometers had been awarded, while two major flyovers – at Ramat Park and Adesuwa-Sapele Road – were under construction simultaneously for the first time in the state’s history. “We inherited deplorable roads and abandoned communities, but today, our urban renewal drive has redefined both rural and city development,” he said.
On agriculture and food security, Okpebholo said the state’s budget for the sector had been increased from ₦4.5 billion to over ₦70 billion, resulting in over 400 hectares of cultivated land already yielding produce. “This is Renewed Hope in Action. Funds meant for agriculture are now producing food, not funding corruption,” he declared.
In education, the Governor said his government had reversed years of decay in the public school system. “When we took office, our children studied in leaking classrooms without teachers or materials,” he recalled.
“Today, over 5,000 teachers have been employed permanently, and 63 schools have been renovated and upgraded to modern standards. We also raised Ambrose Alli University’s monthly subvention from ₦41 million to ₦500 million. Education is no longer a slogan; it is our priority.”
Okpebholo said his administration had also achieved major milestones in economic reform and governance, reducing over ₦600 billion in debts and ₦180 billion owed to contractors through prudent management. He noted that over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs had been created, alongside a ₦1 billion interest-free loan scheme for small businesses and traders. “Governance in Edo today is no longer about noise, it is about measurable impact and restored dignity,” he affirmed.
The Governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his guidance and support, noting that much of Edo’s success was inspired by the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He also commended his cabinet, political leaders, traditional rulers, and citizens for their loyalty and cooperation.
The anniversary event featured goodwill messages from Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Chief Lucky Imasuen, Dr. Pius Odubu, and other notable leaders who praised Okpebholo’s reform-driven leadership. A policy dialogue session also explored Nigeria’s economic outlook and Edo’s strategy for sustainable growth.
Governor Okpebholo delivered a message of optimism to Edo youths and residents: “A New Edo has risen – one built on faith, service, and accountability. Together, we will keep shining the light of progress until every community feels the touch of practical governance.”
