Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening reforms across all sectors of the state’s economy, saying that his first year in office has restored hope, rebuilt institutions, and renewed citizens’ confidence in government.
The governor made this declaration on Wednesday during a landmark anniversary address in Benin City, which he described as a celebration of “one year of purposeful, people-centered governance in Edo State.”
‘We Met a State in Decline, But We Are Rebuilding It’
Reflecting on his administration’s journey, Okpebholo said his government inherited a state “weighed down by rot, debt, insecurity, and distrust,” but had since laid a solid foundation for growth through “prayer, teamwork, and practical governance.”
“We came determined to restore hope, and by the grace of God, we have done just that. We are replacing PowerPoint governance with practical governance one that touches lives, revives faith, and renews communities,” the governor said.
Security: From Crisis to Calm
Okpebholo noted that Edo was once plagued by cultism, armed robbery, and kidnappings, with over 300 cult-related killings recorded in 2024.
“We acted decisively. We repealed the weak anti-cultism law, enacted a stronger one, equipped our security forces with 60 Hilux vans and 400 motorcycles, and recruited 2,500 officers into the Edo State Security Corps,” he stated.
He declared that the state is now “safer, calmer, and no longer a sanctuary for criminals.”
Health Sector Overhau
The governor lamented the collapse of the health system he met on assumption of office but said his administration has now embarked on comprehensive rehabilitation.
“We have commenced the construction of new Primary Health Centres across all 18 wards, equipped diagnostic facilities in local councils, and started work on a 100-bed Specialist Hospital in Udomi, Edo Central. Our goal is to make quality healthcare accessible to every Edo citizen,” he said.
Infrastructure: Redefining Urban Renewal
Okpebholo highlighted that 28 new road projects covering over 255 kilometers have been awarded, with two major flyovers at Ramat Park and Adesuwa–Sapele Road under simultaneous construction for the first time in the state’s history.
“We inherited deplorable roads and abandoned communities, but we are reconnecting Edo through sustainable infrastructure,” he said.
Agriculture: Renewed Hope in Action
Drawing inspiration from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the governor said Edo has raised its agricultural budget from ₦4.5 billion to over ₦70 billion.
“Over 400 hectares have been cultivated, and harvesting has begun. Funds meant for agriculture are now producing food, not funding corruption,” Okpebholo declared.
Education: From Neglect to Renewal
In education, he said his administration has reversed years of decay in public schools.
“Over 5,000 teachers have been permanently employed, and 63 schools have been renovated and upgraded to modern standards,” the governor revealed.
He also disclosed that subvention to Ambrose Alli University (AAU) has been raised from ₦41 million to ₦500 million monthly.
“Education is no longer a slogan; it is our priority,” he affirmed.
Economic Reforms and Job Creation
Okpebholo revealed that he inherited over ₦600 billion in local and foreign debts and ₦180 billion owed to contractors.
“Through prudent management, we have reduced this burden. We have created over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, launched a ₦1 billion interest-free loan scheme for small businesses and traders, and restructured fiscal management to promote transparency and efficiency,” he said.
Restoring Governance Integrity
The governor further highlighted achievements in governance, including the restoration of judicial integrity and strengthening of traditional institutions.
“We swore in judges previously sidelined, re-established the Customary Court, and restored dignity to governance in Edo State. Today, governance is about measurable impact, not noise,” he said.
Acknowledgments and Renewed Hope
Governor Okpebholo expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and guidance, and also appreciated his cabinet, political leaders, royal fathers, and the people of Edo State for their loyalty and support.
The event featured goodwill messages from Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Chief Lucky Imasuen, Dr. Pius Odubu, and other prominent leaders who praised Okpebholo’s reform-driven leadership.
‘A New Edo Has Risen’
Concluding his message, the governor declared:
“To our youths, this is your time. 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.”
The ceremony ended in a celebratory atmosphere, with citizens and dignitaries applauding what many described as “a defining statement of renewal, courage, and the dawn of a truly new Edo State.”
