Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, marked his first anniversary in office with a message filled with gratitude, reflection, and renewed determination to continue building a state anchored on hope, reform, and progress.
Addressing a gathering of dignitaries and citizens in Benin City, the governor said his administration had worked tirelessly to restore faith in governance, rebuild weakened institutions, and give the people renewed confidence in their future. He described the past year as a journey that began with daunting challenges but has since become a story of resilience, reform, and tangible transformation.
“This celebration is not just to mark one year in office but to acknowledge God’s grace and the unwavering support of Edo people before, during, and after the 2024 elections,” he said. “When we came in, the state was burdened with debt, insecurity, and loss of trust in leadership, but through focus and teamwork, we began rebuilding the foundation for a new Edo.”
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that his government has replaced what he described as “PowerPoint governance” with practical, results-driven leadership that directly impacts lives. He noted significant progress in tackling insecurity, which he said had once turned the state into “a near war zone.”
According to him, his administration repealed weak anti-cultism laws, introduced stronger ones, and equipped security operatives with 60 patrol vehicles and 400 motorcycles. He also announced the recruitment of 2,500 personnel into the state security corps. “Edo is now safer, calmer, and no longer a safe haven for criminals,” he said confidently.
On healthcare, the governor explained that his team met a system on the verge of collapse but has since begun rebuilding it. He revealed that new primary health centres are being constructed across all local government areas, diagnostic facilities are being installed, and a new 100-bed specialist hospital is underway in Udomi, Edo Central. “We are determined to make quality healthcare accessible to every Edo citizen,” he assured.
Infrastructure, he said, has also received unprecedented attention. “We inherited abandoned roads and neglected communities, but today, 28 new road projects covering 255 kilometres are ongoing. For the first time in our history, two major flyovers at Ramat Park and Adesuwa-Sapele Road—are being constructed at the same time,” he announced.
The governor spoke proudly of progress in agriculture, explaining that Edo’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has driven a major turnaround in food production. “We increased the agricultural budget from N4.5 billion to N70 billion. Over 400 hectares of land have been cultivated, and harvests are already underway. This is Renewed Hope in action where public funds are used to grow food, not fund corruption,” he said.
He also highlighted sweeping education reforms, noting that public schools have been transformed within just a year. “When we assumed office, many children studied in leaking classrooms without teachers. Today, over 5,000 teachers have been employed, and 63 schools renovated to modern standards. Ambrose Alli University’s monthly subvention was raised from N41 million to N500 million. Education is no longer a slogan it is our commitment,” he said.
On economic management, Okpebholo revealed that his government inherited over N600 billion in debts and N180 billion owed to contractors but has already begun reducing the burden through accountability and discipline. He said more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs have been created, while a N1 billion interest-free loan scheme was launched to support small businesses and traders.
The governor also reflected on reforms in governance and the judiciary, restoring integrity to state institutions. “We reinstated judges who were unfairly sidelined, revived customary courts, and strengthened traditional institutions. Governance in Edo is no longer about noise; it is about measurable results and restored dignity,” he said.
Expressing appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and guidance, Okpebholo acknowledged that much of the state’s progress has been possible through collaboration and encouragement from the presidency. He also extended gratitude to his executive council members, traditional rulers, political allies, and the people of Edo State for their continued trust and cooperation.
He ended his address with a tone of humility and assurance, pledging to stay focused on the mission of transforming Edo into a model of good governance, equity, and opportunity for all.
