Giving account of his stewardship in the past one year of his administration, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, on Wednesday stated that governance in Edo today is no longer about noise, it is about measurable impact and restored dignity.
Governor Okpebholo said he had “restored hope, rebuilt institutions, and renewed the people’s confidence in government”, and had redefined urban and rural development in just one year in office.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that the governor, who spoke during the celebration of his first anniversary, said the administration has created over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs and launched a ₦1 billion interest-free loan scheme for small businesses and traders in the state.
According to him, “Today’s celebration 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”.
Going down memory lane when he assumed office, he said he met “a state weighed down by rot, debt, insecurity, and distrust,” but through focus, prayer, and teamwork, his administration had 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 power-point governance with practical governance; one that touches lives, revives faith, and renews communities,” he said
He disclosed that the administration inherited over ₦600 billion Naira in local and foreign debts and ₦180 billion owed to contractors, adding that “through prudent management and transparency under our SHINE Agenda, the burden had been reduced significantly”.
On security, he said “When we came in, Edo was almost a war zone, plagued by cult killings, kidnappings, armed robbery, and cybercrime. In 2024 alone, over 300 cult-related killings were recorded.
“We acted decisively, repealed the weak anti-cultism law, passed a stronger one, supplied 60 Hilux vans and 400 motorcycles to security agencies, and recruited and trained 2,500 officers into the Edo State Security Corps. These measures have drastically reduced insecurity. Let it be known: Edo will no longer be a safe place for criminals”.
Highlighting the administration’s reforms in healthcare, Governor Okpebholo described the sector as one of the worst-hit by neglect before his intervention.
“We met a collapsing system where hospitals lacked basic drugs and health workers were demoralised.
“We have begun rebuilding from the ground up. We have now commenced the construction of new primary healthcare centres across the 18 wards, equipped diagnostic facilities in local councils, and started work on a new 100-bed Specialist Hospital in Udomi, Edo Central. Our goal is to make quality healthcare accessible to every Edo citizen.”
On infrastructure, Governor Okpebholo said “We inherited deplorable roads and abandoned communities but within one year, we have awarded 28 new road projects covering over 255 kilometers. For the first time in Edo’s history, two major flyovers; at Ramat Park and Adesuwa-Sapele Road, are under construction simultaneously.”
On Agriculture, Okpebholo stated that some months ago, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged state governors to invest in agriculture to tackle food insecurity, saying “We took that counsel seriously, raising the agriculture budget from ₦4.5 billion Naira to ₦57 billion Naira. Today, over 400 hectares of farmland 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.”
On the administration’s strides in Education, the Governor said he met most schools in decay with children learning under poor conditions. “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.”
In the area of economic reform, the governor 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,” 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 said.
Concluding with a message of hope to the youths, Governor Okpebholo said, “To our youths, this is your time. A New Edo Has Risen, and we will continue to create opportunities that secure your future. Together, let us keep shining the light of progress until every community in Edo feels the touch of Practical Governance”
The governor expressed appreciation 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 thanked his cabinet members, political leaders, royal fathers, and the people of Edo for their loyalty and cooperation.
In a goodwill message, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Netawe Yilwatda, congratulated Okpebholo, saying “We are proud of you, we congratulate the people of Edo State”.
The ceremony also featured goodwill messages from Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Chief Lucky Imasuen, Dr. Pius Odubu, and other prominent leaders, who praised Okpebholo’s steady, reform-driven approach to governance.
Congratulating the governor, former governor of the state and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, commended the synergy between the Executive arm and members of the state House of Assembly which he noted made the achievements in the first year possible.
Oshiomhole said Governor Okpebholo was giving practical evidence to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu through the projects he is executing, praising the flyover bridges for their economic value.
A high-level policy panel further explored critical aspects of Nigeria’s economic outlook and how Edo State is positioning itself for sustainable growth.