Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, delivered a landmark anniversary address on Thursday, celebrating one year of purposeful, people-centered governance in Edo State with a message of optimism, gratitude, and renewed determination.
In front of a distinguished audience in Benin City, the Governor proclaimed that his administration had “restored hope, rebuilt institutions, and renewed the people’s confidence in government,” while reaffirming his commitment to deepening reforms across all sectors of the State’s economy.
Governor Okpebholo’s address was the highlight of a grand commemorative event, showcasing a journey that began with significant challenges but has transformed into a narrative of courage, reform, and measurable progress.
“Today’s celebration,” he began, “is not just about marking one year in office, 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.”
Reflecting on his initial challenges, he noted that upon taking office, he found “a State weighed down by rot, debt, insecurity, and distrust.” However, through focus, prayer, and teamwork, his administration has begun to lay a solid foundation for a new era of 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,” he stated.
On security, the Governor highlighted the drastic improvements made since he took office. He described Edo as previously “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, detailing the repeal of a weak anti-cultism law and the enactment of a stronger one. His administration equipped 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,” he affirmed.
In healthcare, Governor Okpebholo addressed the dire state of the sector prior to his intervention. “We met a collapsing system where hospitals lacked basic drugs and health workers were demoralized,” he explained.
His administration has initiated the construction of new Primary Health Centres across all 18 wards, enhanced diagnostic facilities in local councils, and commenced 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.
Discussing infrastructure, the Governor noted significant advancements in urban renewal and rural development. “We inherited deplorable roads and abandoned communities,” he said. “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.”
On agricultural development, he revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” inspired his government’s aggressive investment in food security. “We raised our 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 and funds meant for agriculture are now producing food, not funding corruption,” he stated.
In education, Okpebholo highlighted his administration’s efforts to reverse years of decay in public schools. “When we took office, our children studied in leaking classrooms without teachers or learning materials,” he said. “Today, over 5,000 teachers have been permanently employed, and 63 schools have been renovated and upgraded to modern standards. 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.”
Addressing economic reform, the Governor revealed the financial challenges he inherited, including over ₦600 billion in local and foreign debts and ₦180 billion owed to contractors. “Through prudent management, we have reduced this burden,” he explained. “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.”
Governor Okpebholo also highlighted key achievements in governance, including the restoration of judicial integrity and intergovernmental relations. “We swore in judges previously sidelined, re-established the Customary Court, and strengthened traditional institutions. Governance in Edo today is no longer about noise; it is about measurable impact and restored dignity,” he stated.
In a reflective tone, the Governor expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and guidance, acknowledging that “without his encouragement and support, much of our progress would have been difficult.” He also extended thanks to his cabinet members, political leaders, royal fathers, and the people of Edo for their loyalty and cooperation.
The ceremony featured goodwill messages from notable figures, including Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Chief Lucky Imasuen, who praised Okpebholo’s steady, reform-driven approach to governance. A high-level policy panel further explored Nigeria’s economic outlook and how Edo State is positioning itself for sustainable growth.
Concluding his address, Governor Okpebholo delivered a rousing message of hope: “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 concluded in a celebratory atmosphere, with guests, dignitaries, and citizens expressing their confidence in the Governor’s leadership, marking a first anniversary that stands as a defining statement of renewal, courage, and the dawn of a truly new Edo State.
