Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Thursday delivered a landmark anniversary address that radiated optimism, gratitude, and resolve as he marked one year of purposeful, people-centered governance in the state.
Speaking before a distinguished audience in Benin City, the Governor declared that his administration had “restored hope, rebuilt institutions, and renewed the people’s confidence in government,” reaffirming his commitment to deepening reforms across all sectors of the state’s economy.
Governor Okpebholo’s address was the highlight of a grand ceremony commemorating his first year in office. His tone—humble yet resolute—reflected a journey that began with daunting challenges but has evolved into a story of courage, reform, and measurable transformation.
“Today’s celebration is not just about marking one year in office,” he began, “but a testimony that God rules in the affairs of men. I thank the good people of Edo State for their steadfast support before, during, and after the 2024 elections.”
He recalled inheriting a state “weighed down by rot, debt, insecurity, and distrust,” but said his administration had, through focus and teamwork, laid a solid foundation for growth.
“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.
Governor Okpebholo said Edo was once “almost a war zone” plagued by cultism, armed robbery, and kidnappings, with over 300 cult-related killings recorded in 2024 alone.
“We acted decisively,” he declared. “We repealed the weak anti-cultism law, enacted a stronger one, equipped our security forces with 60 Hilux vans and 400 motorcycles, and recruited 2,500 officers into the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. Today, Edo is safer, calmer, and no longer a sanctuary for criminals.”
The Governor described the health sector as one of the most neglected before his intervention. “We met a collapsing system where hospitals lacked basic drugs and health workers were demoralized,” he said.
According to him, the government has commenced the construction of new primary health centres across all 18 local government areas, equipped diagnostic facilities in rural councils, and begun work on a new 100-bed specialist hospital in Udomi, Edo Central. “Our goal is to make quality healthcare accessible to every Edo citizen,” he emphasized.
Governor Okpebholo noted that his administration has redefined urban renewal and rural development in just one year. “We inherited deplorable roads and abandoned communities. But today, we have awarded 28 new road projects covering over 255 kilometers. For the first time in our history, two major flyovers—at Ramat Park and Adesuwa-Sapele Road—are under construction simultaneously,” he announced.
Drawing inspiration from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” the Governor said his administration raised the agriculture budget from ₦4.5 billion to over ₦70 billion.
“Over 400 hectares have been cultivated, and harvesting has begun. This is Renewed Hope in action—funds meant for agriculture are now producing food, not funding corruption,” he stated.
Governor Okpebholo said his administration has reversed years of decay in public education. “When we took office, our children studied in leaking classrooms without teachers or materials,” he said. “Today, over 5,000 teachers have been employed permanently, and 63 schools renovated and upgraded. We also increased Ambrose Alli University’s subvention from ₦41 million to ₦500 million monthly. Education is no longer a slogan—it is our priority.”
The Governor disclosed that he inherited over ₦600 billion in debts and ₦180 billion owed to contractors but has reduced the burden through prudent management.
“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.
He also highlighted achievements in governance, including restoring judicial integrity and strengthening intergovernmental relations. “We swore in judges previously sidelined, re-established the Customary Court, and empowered traditional institutions. Governance in Edo today is no longer about noise—it is about measurable impact and restored dignity,” he affirmed.
Governor Okpebholo expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his leadership and support, noting that “without his encouragement, much of our progress would have been difficult.”
He also thanked his cabinet, political leaders, royal fathers, and citizens for their loyalty and cooperation.
The ceremony featured goodwill messages from Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Chief Lucky Imasuen, Dr. Pius Odubu, and other prominent leaders, who lauded the Governor’s steady, reform-driven leadership. A policy panel also discussed Nigeria’s economic outlook and Edo State’s path to sustainable growth.
Concluding his address, Governor Okpebholo delivered a message of renewed optimism:
“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 in Edo feels the touch of practical governance.”
The event ended in an atmosphere of celebration, with guests and citizens hailing the Governor’s first year as a defining statement of courage, renewal, and the dawn of a new Edo State.
