Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday delivered a landmark anniversary address that resonated with optimism, gratitude, and renewed determination, as he marked one year of purposeful, people-centered governance in Edo 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,” while reaffirming his commitment to deepening reforms across all sectors of the State’s economy.
Governor Okpebholo, whose address formed the highlight of a grand commemorative event, spoke with a tone of humility and resolve, reflecting on a journey that began with daunting challenges but has now evolved into a story of courage, reform, and measurable transformation.
“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.”
He recounted that upon assumption of office, 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 PowerPoint governance with Practical Governance; one that touches lives, revives faith, and renews communities,” he said.
On security, the Governor said Edo was 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. “We repealed the weak anti-cultism law, enacted a stronger one, equipped our security forces with 60 Hilux vans and 400 motorcycles, and recruited 2,500 officers into the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.”
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 demoralized. We have now commenced the construction of new Primary Health 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,” he stated.
On infrastructure, the Governor noted that his administration has redefined urban renewal and rural development in just one year.
“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.”
He further spoke on agricultural development, revealing 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.
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“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.”
On education, Okpebholo said his administration had reversed 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.”
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. 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 explained.
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.
In a deeply reflective tone, the Governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, 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.
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.
A high-level policy panel further explored critical aspects of 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 ended in an atmosphere of celebration, as guests, dignitaries, and citizens hailed the Governor’s performance and reaffirmed confidence in his leadership, a first anniversary that stood as a defining statement of renewal, courage, and the dawn of a truly new Edo State.
