Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Executive Governor of Edo State has shown that he is a blessing to the State with his policy, appointments, flagging off roads construction in the three Senatorial districts and his love for the people of the state.

Edo State Governor, Sen Monday Okpobholo

Governor Monday Okpebholo has started working and fulfilling his five (5) points agenda that he promised the good people of the state since he took oath of office.

In security, he has shown total commitment because he promised the people of Edo State that he will provide security and truly, Edo State is peaceful and people are happy about it. He has given necessary support to security personnels.

He increased Ambrose Alli University (AAU) subvention from N40 million to N500 million, he has promised to look into AAU medical students issue and the governor has started renovating primary and secondary Schools in the state, this is to tell you that Senator Monday Okpebholo knows the important of Education.

Agricultural sector has taken a good turn because he has awarded N70 billion to the sector. He knows the important of Agriculture to the state and nation at large, very soon Edo State will be the food basket of the nation with the way His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo is investing in Agriculture.

During electioneering period, Senator Monday Okpebholo promised employment of 5000 people within his 100days in office and he has started the process, very soon, Edo State people will smile because he will not sign MOU before employing them. He has started appointing Edo State People and not Lagosians into various positions.

The people’s Governor, Monday Okpebholo has started his road projects across Edo State , from Edo South to Edo Central and down to Edo North, just because he believes that when the roads are motorable, prices of market products will drop automatically.

The governor has started investing in Health sector, this is because he knows the important of the sector to Edo State people.

By Eigbefo Felix

As I set out to pen this piece on this serene Sunday afternoon, my mind is drawn to the profound epistle of Apostle Paul to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 1:27-29: “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.”

Edo State Governor, Sen Monday Okpobholo

Hallelujah!

I have chosen to begin this way because it resonates deeply with my assessment of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s leadership over the past two months.

When Senator Monday Okpebholo stepped into the political ring, many underestimated him. He wasn’t the loudest voice in the room, nor the most flamboyant. In a political landscape where the ability to raise dust often overshadows the capacity to lay foundations, Okpebholo’s calm and collected demeanor was dismissed as a weakness. But, as Apostle Paul aptly put it, God has a way of using the “foolish” things of the world to confound the wise. And indeed, Governor Okpebholo has confounded his critics with actions that speak louder than the hollow rhetoric of his predecessor.

To truly appreciate the transformation taking place in Edo State, one must first understand where we’re coming from. For eight long years, governance was more about optics than outcomes. The previous administration, under Governor Godwin Obaseki, was a masterclass in what the locals have dubbed “audio governance.” Projects were announced with great fanfare, but their execution remained a mirage. MoUs were signed and celebrated, only to gather dust in forgotten drawers. Roads that were critical to economic and social well-being were left to rot, with billboards proclaiming, “Please bear with us; this is a federal road,” as if to absolve the state of any responsibility.

Governor Okpebholo has flipped the script. He didn’t start his administration with loud declarations or endless ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Instead, he started with work—real, tangible work.

In just two months, Governor Okpebholo has demonstrated that governance is about delivering results, not excuses. The Benin-Auchi Road by Obadan Junction, long neglected, has received the needed attention. The failed portions of the Benin-Abuja Road in Ekpoma, which seemed destined to remain a nightmare for travelers, are now under repair. Roads that were mere campaign promises in the past, like Upper Ekenwan Road, are nearing completion.

Even the Aduwawa-Upper Mission Junction, a project that felt like a distant dream, is now coming to life. And let’s not forget the Temboga-Uteh Road, which now wears the Governor’s signature of progress.

One resident put it succinctly: “In just two months, this man has done more than others did in eight years. He doesn’t make noise; he makes things happen.”

Beyond roads, Governor Okpebholo’s administration is tackling the long-neglected healthcare sector. The construction of a modern health center in Udomi, Irua, is a testament to his commitment. The 2025 budget allocates N63.9 billion to healthcare and an additional N1.8 billion for a health insurance scheme, ensuring that no Edo citizen is left behind.

One of the most commendable moves of Governor Okpebholo’s administration has been his decisive action to sanitize Edo’s markets. By placing a ban on market unions, which had long been accused of oppressive and exploitative practices, the governor has brought relief to traders and consumers alike. These unions had been driving up the prices of food and commodities through arbitrary levies and monopolistic control, leaving ordinary Edo citizens to bear the brunt.

In his words, “Markets should be places of commerce and community, not oppression. We cannot allow a few individuals to profit at the expense of the majority.”

Since the ban, market prices have begun to stabilize, and traders have expressed gratitude for the governor’s intervention.

Edo State has not been immune to the scourge of insecurity, particularly the alarming rise in cult-related killings that claimed over 100 lives in 2024. Governor Okpebholo has tackled this issue head-on, adopting a consultative and inclusive approach. Through interagency consultations and his robust security meetings, he has fostered collaboration among law enforcement agencies and local communities.

This proactive engagement has led to a significant de-escalation of tensions and a peaceful resolution to many conflicts. As one community leader observed, “For the first time, we feel heard. The governor is not just issuing orders; he’s listening and acting.”

Another area where Governor Okpebholo has demonstrated his commitment to justice is in addressing the contentious issue of land grabbing. Under the previous administration, many communities and individuals saw their lands forcefully taken, their properties destroyed, and their voices silenced.

Governor Okpebholo has taken a firm stance, declaring that such lands will be restored to their rightful owners, provided they can present proof of ownership. This policy has brought renewed hope to many Edo citizens who had all but given up on ever reclaiming their ancestral lands.

“The government is here to serve the people, not to oppress them,” the governor stated. “We will right the wrongs of the past and ensure justice prevails.”

Governor Okpebholo’s 2025 budget, aptly titled the “Budget of Renewed Hope for a Rising Edo,” is a roadmap to sustainable development. With 63% of the N604 billion budget earmarked for capital expenditure, it’s clear where his focus lies.

* Road Development: N162 billion

* Education: N48 billion

* Health: N63.9 billion

* Agriculture: N75 billion

This is not just a budget; it is a statement of intent. It reflects the governor’s five-point agenda—security, infrastructure, healthcare, food sufficiency, and education—augmented by a renewed focus on agriculture.

Governor Okpebholo’s approach to governance can be likened to a diligent farmer. While others scatter seeds carelessly, hoping for a quick harvest, he tills the soil, plants with precision, and nurtures the crops. The results are already visible, and the harvest promises to be bountiful.

In reforming local government administration, the governor has brought discipline and transparency to a system that was previously plagued by inefficiency. His bold steps are setting a new standard for accountability and service delivery.

Governor Monday Okpebholo is proving that leadership is not about noise but results. He is confounding the critics and inspiring the citizens. As Apostle Paul wrote, God uses the weak and despised to bring about great things, and in Edo State, this truth is playing out before our very eyes.

Edo is rising, not on the wings of empty promises, but on the back of a governor who understands that actions speak louder than words. Indeed, Governor Okpebholo has become the farmer who sows in silence and reaps in abundance—a leader who delivers hope, one project at a time.

Fred Itua is the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor

By Fred Itua

Within 10 days of his swearing in on November 12, 2024, Governor Monday Okpebholo has proven himself capable of administering a complex and multicultural environment like Edo State without getting distracted by darts thrown at him by either Fifth Columnists or partisans who would rather that the status quo remained.

Governor Monday Okpobholo of Edo State

In his inaugural address, Governor Okpebholo had unveiled a 5-point agenda, which he said was not mere rhetorics but points that are measurable and have specific timelines.

The agenda, which is all about the people of Edo, will pay priority attention to Security, Infrastructure, Healthcare, Food Sufficiency and Education.

During electioneering, rather than making bogus television appearances, the governor had taken his time to go round the 192 political wards of the state, directly interfacing with cross sections of the people from the lower, middle to the upper class.

Such tours gave him valuable insights into the specific needs of the people and so it was not surprising that within 10 days, he took decisions that have been widely hailed across the state and beyond as pro-people and devoid of malice.

Indications that he meant business emerged a day even before his swearing-in as he named a Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua. The following day shortly after he was sworn in, he made other critical appointments, naming Barr. Musa U. Ikhilor as Secretary to the State Government (SSG); Hon. Samson Osagie PhD as Attorney General and Commissioner For Justice; and Dr Cyril Adams Oshiomhole as Commissioner for Health.

In obedience to the cries of the people who had complained about extortion even in these days of national economic reforms, the governor would go on the next day after being sworn-in to order the immediate and indefinite suspension of revenue collection in the state especially in motor parks and others, until further notice.

Does the state need revenue to work? Yes. Is the governor averse to increasing the Internally Generated Revenue IGR of the state? No. But was the governor comfortable with the situation whereby the people were being exploited? Certainly not.

It was this unpleasant situation that forced the governor to take the decision to ban such collections and ordered the State Commissioner of Police to arrest anyone who flouts the order.

The Governor is already reviewing the issues and concerns raised by the people in respect of the collections and would soon decide on the way forward.

On the same day, November 13, there was wide jubilation across the state when news filtered out that the governor had ordered contractors to return to sites and immediately fix failed portions of the roads within the Benin metropolis.

The governor had given the directive during an inspection tour of Upper Mission Road Extension by Aduwawa Junction and the Ramat Park Axis in Benin City.

Decrying the bad state of the roads, the Governor assured the people that work would commence immediately, as he was in a hurry to bring the dividends of democracy to the people.

Some of the areas work is expected to commence immediately, include the 7.5km Temboga Road, Lucky Way Junction by Aduwawa, and Ramat Park – Slope Axis.

Similarly, other parts of the State capital to experience a face-lift are Eyaen Road and Obadan Junction along the Benin – Auchi Expressway.

The Governor Okpebholo administration is not vindictive but there were certain decisions taken in the past which were in bad faith and for which majority of the people had complained about.

The state cannot move forward without removing some clogs in the wheel of progress.

It is to this end that some decisions have had to be taken – all in the interest of the people.

For instance, the governor has reverted the Ministry of Roads and Bridges to its original designation – Ministry of Works.

Governor Okpebholo said that since no bridges or good roads were constructed by the administration of ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki, it is therefore absurd to maintain such a name.

“It is funny how you can call a government institution, Ministry of Roads and Bridges. Ironically, no single bridge was built by the same administration. Not even a pedestrian bridge.

“In the coming days, we will look at more actions taken by the previous administration and more decisions will be taken that will be done in the best interest of the State,” he declared.

Governor Okpebholo has also revealed plans by his administration to address the issues surrounding Oke-Oroma land disputes.

The Governor, alongside his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa had recently met with community leaders, residents, and victims of demolished structures at Oke-Oroma community in Benin City, Edo State capital.

He said decisive actions will be taken when a commission of inquiry makes its findings.

He said if it is confirmed that the lands belong to the people, the Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) issued will be revoked and the lands returned to their rightful owners.

This is a campaign promise fulfilled as the governor had during his campaigns in the area promised to revisit the issue.

“I remember that during my campaign here, I promised to come back, and now I am here. We hate injustice in this administration. That is why we are here and happy to meet all of you. We will listen to your voice.

“In the next few days, I will invite you to the Government House and back it up with action.

“Few days from now, we will set up a Commission of Inquiry to look into this land issue so that we will return your lands to you after the findings,” he stated.

In order to be able to track government finances and take stock of the state of affairs with regards to government funds, the governor froze all State-owned bank accounts with immediate effect and until further notice.

The decision will also allow for necessary investigations and reconciliations so that the people are not short-changed. Governor Okpebholo is determined to ensure that Edo people’s money are all accounted for.

The governor’s respect for the traditional institution is top-notch. As a private person, as a senator and now governor, his relationship with the custodians of Edo’s rich cultural heritage has been one of mutual respect.

This much he spoke to during his swearing-in when he said; “Our traditional institution shall be given the necessary support to play its role as custodian of our rich cultural heritage. It is in recognition of this that my administration shall support the decision of the Federal Government to uphold the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of the returned artefacts, that were looted away by British Colonial Forces during the Benin Massacre of 1897”.

Rule of Law, Separation of Powers

Being a man of unblemished character without any criminal record, Gov. Okpebholo’s commitment to the rule of law and separation of powers is not in doubt.

Accordingly, the governor has pledged that his administration will work closely with other arms of government in the State for the common good.

He said; “To the Edo State House of Assembly, our people have tasked us to work together for the common good of all. My administration is ready to work with you to strengthen institutions of governance and accelerate development.

“Recall that on 17th June 2019, 14 elected members of Edo state House of Assembly were denied inauguration into the 7th Assembly. It was a big blow to our democracy. My administration is setting up a panel of inquiry to investigate the remote causes of that incident so as to avoid future occurrence. This is very imperative because the legislative arm of government is an essential component for the sustenance of democracy.

“Under the doctrine of Separation of Powers, the judicial arm of government shall be strengthened to administer justice; fairly and promptly.

“The delay and refusal by the previous administration to swear in three judges recommended by the National Judicial Council is indeed regrettable. The Chief Judge will look into this and take necessary actions without delay.”

Determined to touch all sectors, the governor acknowledges the immense contributions of the vibrant and dynamic Edo state Civil Service and is deeply concerned about the welfare of the staff.

Consequently, he is committed to initiating meaningful reforms to ensure innovation, transparency, and zero-tolerance for corruption in public service.

Halting violent clashes

Within three days of assumption of office, Governor Okpebholo took steps to halt violent cult clashes in the state.

Edo state cannot be the heartbeat of the country and yet allow bloodbath. This was why he asked the Commissioner of Police to halt the violent cult clashes in the State.

“As the Governor of Edo State, cultism can not be allowed here. We must end it and very fast too. I have ordered the Commissioner of Police to halt the madness within 48 years. All those involved in the killings should be stopped”, he stated.

The Governor also banned Drivers Welfare Association and Network Empowerment due to intelligence reports that they were among those causing trouble in the state.

He said some associations that are causing trouble in the State, especially in Benin City, cannot be allowed to operate here. Emphasizing that Edo must be safe, the governor said his administration will not fold its arms and allow such associations to create unnecessary tensions.

Less than five days of assumption of office, the governor inspected the abandoned Ebomisi Secondary School in Ugbogiobo, Ovia North East Local Governments Area of Edo State and gave a timeline within which he will rebuild it.

The school reportedly abandoned by the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, for what some people said was his anger at the support given the APC and Governor Okpebholo during the 21st September 2024 governorship election.

Governor Okpebholo visited the school as promised during his campaigns, and said his administration will restore hope to the community.

“My reason for coming here today is to bring back hope to this school and rebuild the school so that our children can go back there and continue with their learning.

“For me, this is not acceptable, as we have to go ahead to renovate this school and rebuild it. We will be here again in the next two months and you will see the state of the school”, he promised.

In the aspect of collaboration on all fronts, the governor has reached out to his counterparts in Kogi and Ondo. In the coming days, he will also reach out to his other colleagues

Governor Monday Okpebholo is many things to many people but the fact remains that he won’t be an MoU governor.

The governor has also not sacked civil servants. Those who were recently shown the exit were appointees of the last administration in the State.

Governor Okpebholo recognizes the enormous task ahead and for him, it is a race against time.

Like he said; “I recognize the enormous task ahead; but with a firm resolve and God’s guidance, we shall prevail.

“We will not betray this confidence you have reposed in me and the Deputy Governor, Honourable Dennis Idahosa”.

Election is over and now is the time for governance. It will be in the interest of all for the opposition to work with the governor in advancing the cause of the people. This is the irreducible minimum required of genuine democrats.

Fred Itua is the spokesman to Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo