FEATURES

Re: House of Reps Allegations of Misappropriation Against NEMA

Published

7 years ago

November 21, 2018

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Full Text of Joint Press Press Conference by National Emergency Management Committee led by NEMA DG, Engr. Mustapha Maihaja on House of Reps Allegations of Misappropriation Against NEMA.

1) Distinguished members of the press corps, Good Afternoon.

2) I would like to thank you all for coming to this Press Conference. This Conference was called to provide an open platform to discuss the conclusions in the report of the House Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness dated 8th November 2018.

3) As you are aware, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is an Agency charged with the responsibility of Disaster Management in Nigeria and coordination of responses to emergencies.

4) Disasters either Natural or Man-made, always have adverse consequences to the people in the impacted areas. Disasters or emergencies can be in form of famine, flooding, fires, draught, epidemic, earthquake etc which often result to displacements of people, as well as massive repatriation of stranded Nigerians from other countries.

5) Our responsibilities as provided in the NEMA’s enabling Act, is to respond to disasters in a more effective, efficient and transparent manner. We strive to minimise the suffering of the people affected by Disaster and hence our Motto: ‘For the Distressed!’.

6) Therefore, to insinuate this sacred duty of saving lives and provision of livelihoods was abused is a very difficult pill to swallow, not only for me, but for many members of my team as well as our partner Agencies such as the Military, Police and International Humanitarian Agencies.

7) To provide context on the funding of North East humanitarian response, the budget of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) for the period January to April 2017 was $1.05 Billion. The sum of $590 Million was for food and nutrition. As at April 2017, only the sum of $94.8 Million was provided by the donors.

See the Report of UN-OCHA on the Nigerian Humanitarian Dashboard published on 23rd May 2017.

This meant that we had a shortfall of $495.8 Million in food funding.

For the period May to October 2018, when the Federal Government Emergency Food Intervention for the North East was being implemented, the World Food Programme net-funding requirement was $230 Million.

8) Just to re-emphasise, we are not here to come up with excuses. Today, this public response is an obligation as a Government to adequately inform Nigerians of what truly happened. The confidence Nigerians have on NEMA and its capability to respond in their most difficult time of need cannot be tarnished. Nigerians need to be rest assured that NEMA is, was and will always remain “FOR THE DISTRESSED”.

Donated Rice by the People’s Republic of China

9) The Peoples Republic of China, as a gesture of its brotherly relations with the Federal Republic of Nigeria donated 6,779 metric tonnes of rice to Nigeria as part of its support to the North East humanitarian efforts. This is equivalent to 135,550 units of 50kg bags of rice. In total, 271 containers, arrived at Apapa Port from China in 5 shipments between June and October 2017.

10) In its mandate as the coordinating ministry for all Foreign support, the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning received this kind gesture on behalf of the Nigerian Government. I will like to emphasise that while the Ministry of Budget and National Planning was the liaison with the Chinese Government, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development was the consignee of the Shipments.

11) Considering NEMA’s mandate as it relates to humanitarian intervention, we were instructed to take the responsibility of port clearing and ultimate movement of the rice to the North East.

12) The original Shipping documents and Custom Exemption Certificates were handed over to NEMA by the Ministry of Budget & National Planning (MB&NP) in December 2017 and January 2018. Thereafter NEMA commenced the immediate clearing and subsequent haulage of the donated rice to Maiduguri, Damaturu, Yola, Jalingo, Gombe and Bauchi.

13) Being a donated consignment, it required duty exemption and other waivers before Clearing. The Government had restricted the importation of Rice; hence the process of getting the proper documentation also took extra time.

14) The total cost of Shipping and storage charges for the 271 containers was N518 million. We have all the receipts to prove this. The actual cost of the donated rice is N2.24 billion (50.05 Million Chinese Yuan).

15) The invoices by convention bears the consignee’s name. However, NEMA being the Agency that cleared the goods made the payments on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN).

16) The companies that were engaged for clearing the donated rice were duly registered with NEMA, ITF, NSITF and PENCOM with relevant documents submitted to NEMA which formed the basis for the award of the contract.

17) To further justify that the items were received on behalf of the Federal Government, they were delivered into NEMA warehouses in Gombe, Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, and warehouses provided by the State Governments in Bauchi, Taraba and Yobe. The Chinese Rice was used for monthly feeding of the IDPs specifically in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States with balance in stock at Gombe, Bauchi and Taraba.

Receipt and Utilisation of 1.6bn for Flood Victims In 16 States

18) The Agency as a Disaster Management organisation has in place policies and procedures that guide its response to incidences.

19) There is Pre-assessment relief, post disaster response after conducting a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) and then Recovery/Rehabilitation. The first one requires immediate action, while the subsequent 2 involve detailed steps to be taken. The magnitude of the disaster determines the length of the time needed to address all issues identified such as nutrition, accommodation and livelihood support.

20) The practical case of Pre-assessment relief was that of the flood incident in Kebbi State which occurred on 30th April 2017 and NEMA responded, on 9th May 2017. Another instance was that of flash floods in Kogi State which occurred on 8th September 2017, and NEMA swiftly responded on 11th September 2017. These are clear cases of Pre-assessment response showing that the Agency was very sensitive to the plight of Nigerians immediately after the disaster.

21) In the case of the flood intervention in 12 States which was covered in the legislative report, N1.6 billion was released after the flood had occurred at different times in the respective States. We immediately conducted assessments and established the needs before moving in with relief materials.

22) The Agency delivered the items to the 12 States between September and November 2017, and subsequently the remaining 4 States.

23) Evidence of receipt of the items by the respective State Governments are available.

Funds Released for Emergency Intervention of Food Security In The North East

24) The Emergency Intervention of Food in the North East (EFINE) came into being due to a number of factors.

25) Firstly, due to the liberation of many captured territories in the North East, there was an increase in the number of citizens previously held in these locations controlled by Boko Haram. Many of these citizens moved into IDP camps or host communities. So the demand for food significantly increased.

26) Secondly, the conflicts in the region destroyed most of the arable lands in the areas. So the food production in the North East declined.

27) Many of our partners in the international donor communities were very active in providing humanitarian aid in the area in the form of food, medical and livelihood support.

28) However, on 15th April 2017, United Nations World Food Programme (UN WFP) alerted the FGN that it would be reducing its vital support to about 1.8 million IDPs by as much as 85%, due to corresponding reduction in funding by the donor countries.

29) The WFP requested the FGN’s support to augment this shortfall and avert any additional suffering on the displaced Nigerians in the zone. Based on the analysis presented, the WFP shortfall would commence by May or June 2017.

30) Around the same time, the United Nations Commission for Refugees in Geneva also issued a warning of growing risk of mass death from starvation among people living in conflict areas, including Nigeria.

31) These alerts led the Federal Government to constitute a Presidential Committee comprising of;

a. His Excellency, the Acting President,

b. Hon. Minister of Finance,

c. Hon. Minister of State, Budget and National Planning,

d. Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development,

e. Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria,

f. Deputy Chief of Staff to the President,

g. Senior Special Assistant to the President (Office of the Chief of Staff),

h. Special Assistant to the President (Planning & Coordination) and

i. Special Assistant to the CBN Governor.

32) The project demand was a clear case of emergency.

33) At the time, the Central Bank of Nigeria through its Food Security Programme had access to 30,905 Metric tonnes of assorted grains located in warehouses across the country.

34) The arrangement was for the Federal Government to procure these grains from the Food Security Programme at a cost plus model. This means the original costs of the grains plus addition costs such as insurance, fumigation, storage and a nominal interest and margin.

35) After conducting a tour by the NEMA team to the various warehouses to confirm the existence and quality of these products, it was agreed that logistical arrangements needed to be made to move these grains from various warehouses in Ibadan, Funtua, Kano, Gombe and Kaduna to the North East.

36) It is important to note that these 30,905 MT is equivalent to 1,030 trucks of 30 tonne capacity. This means we were transporting 618,100 units of 50 kg bags. These grains would cover between 3 to 4 months of food supply to the IDPs. At the time, we could not provide actual timing estimates as the rainy season was about to commence and for those who know the North East, a number of areas, such as Rann would be totally cut off once the rains kicked in there by restricting our movements.

37) The movement of these goods from the grain warehouses to the North East was coordinated by the Nigerian policy force and in the Red Zone by the Military.

38) The trucks moved in convoys of 10, escorted by 2 police pilot vehicles. The monitoring of this movement was coordinated by an Assistant Inspector General of police working with the respective Commissioners of Police in each transit state.

39) The vehicles carrying these grains were also monitored by digital tracking systems coordinated through the NEMA logistics base in Maiduguri.

40) There was no reported case of a single bag of grains that got missing in this movement.

41) In the North East, the goods were received in 3 main warehouses – the NEMA warehouses in Gombe, Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, and warehouses provided by the State Governments in Bauchi, Taraba and Yobe. In Yobe State, Military warehouses were also used. It is from these warehouses that the goods were eventually moved to the IDP camps, host communities and liberated areas for distribution.

42) Once again, let me emphasise, this operation was coordinated by the Nigeria Police backed by satellite tracking and supported by way bills that confirm the despatch and receipt of goods. Store Receipt Vouchers (SRVs) and Store Issuance Vouchers (SIVs) were also used.

43) In the North East, we adopted the policy of House-to-House direct distribution system, led by NEMA, along with SEMAs and I-NGOs/volunteers using Voucher System issued to the beneficiaries.

44) The House-to-House direct distribution system was a more humane system: where the food items were delivered to the IDPs doorsteps as against the usual practice of queuing up. History has shown that sometimes, long queue of IDPs under the sun led to civil disturbances or exhaustion. A register of households was also maintained for further record keeping.

45) The movement of the goods from the central warehouses to the IDP locations was coordinated by the Nigeria Military under the command of a Navy Admiral who relocated to Maiduguri from the Defence Head Quarters. We started with the IDP camps. For the more remote areas, our movements were guided by the rains, security and intelligence reports.

46) The EFINE logistics command worked hand in hand with the Operation Lafiya Dole leadership team. The EFINE military team had representatives from the Army, Navy and Air Force. The team was supported by Police HQ as well as State Commands

47) The movement of goods were in military convoys backed by the Nigerian Air Force who provided aerial cover to ensure the convoys were not ambushed. Several reports have also indicated that Boko Haram camps also had food shortages and they had been attempting to attack food warehouses. So as we feed our citizens in these remote and reclaimed locations, we also had an obligation to ensure that the food did not end up in the hands of the terrorists.

48) In each location, the battalions overseeing the reclaimed territories provided security for the grains and NEMA officials managing the distribution.

49) Proper enumeration of the IDPs across the entire Zone was first conducted. Prior to the distribution, a serially numbered voucher is issued to each Household and on the day of distribution the voucher being the identification of the Households to the distributors is ascertained and verified, thereafter the quantities corresponding to the number of Households is then released to the leader of the Households at his doorstep, and the vouchers is punched. This is repeated every month. The distribution was on a “food basket” basis. We had carbohydrate (maize, sorghum, millet) and protein (soya beans). Each household received the equivalent of 50 kg per month.

50) The project was kicked-off by His Excellency the Acting President in Maiduguri, Borno State on 8th June 2017, with the Borno State Governor, Bauchi State Governor, Yobe State Deputy Governor, National Security Adviser, Chief of Staff to the President and several National Assembly Members were all in attendance. Thereafter, the delivered items were inspected in the NEMA warehouse by the Vice President and other dignitaries. We also displayed our digital tracking centre that was monitoring the movement of the trucks.

51) Following this kick off, His Excellency the Acting President, invited all National Assembly Members from the North East and their Governors for a meeting on 16th June 2017. This consultative engagement was to get their inputs on the programme implementation. It was agreed that the members of National Assembly will also nominate their representatives as observers. It is on record that some of the members participated during the distribution exercise by providing some representation.

52) As part of the process of monitoring the project, a visit was undertaken by the Minister of State Budget and National Planning on 7th and 8th August 2017 to Bauchi, Yola and Maiduguri. This monitoring team included most members of the EFINE. During those visits, no major issues were raised by the States. Furthermore, throughout the entire process, we did not receive any feedback, positive or negative, on the process. Taking into account the open door policy we had taken, as well as the long tenure of the project (over 4 months), there were many avenues for these issues to be raised to both NEMA or the Acting President.

53) Once again, let me reemphasise that these foods items were delivered into NEMA warehouses in Gombe, Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, and warehouses provided by the State Governments in Bauchi, Taraba and Yobe. In Yobe State, Military warehouses were also used.

Release of N3,153,000,000.00 To NEMA for Food Intervention to the North East

54) The Federal Government approved the release of 5,000MT to WFP upon their request in May 2017. The following facts informed the decision of the Presidential Committee:

a) The request by WFP to import the Rice will have had a direct negative impact on Government position against Rice importation. It would have left rice farmers with unutilised stock of paddy and millers with unsold stock of rice.

b) The permission sought to import the Rice comes with additional request for waiver on duty and associated taxes.

c) WFP being a donor-funded Agency, their activities are for the benefit of Nigerians and the 5,000MT approved for release was meant to be distributed to Nigerian IDPs in the North East.

d) Indeed, included in there submission is a request for the FGN to donate rice.

e) It was true that WFP offered to import the Rice at N11,500/bag. This price assumed zero duty. It is important to note that imported rice attracts a 60% duty and levy. The Government proposed that WFP should buy locally at market rates instead of importing at concessional rates. This means they had a shortfall in the quantity when compared to their budget, hence the decision of Government to augment the shortfall by releasing the 5,000MT for onward distribution to the IDPs. This scenario resulted in two benefits to Nigeria. The first is our farmers had an offtake. And secondly, our IDPs received their interventions.

f) The 5,000MT given to WFP attracted some associated logistics cost, which was paid by them in recognition of Government effort in meeting the need of the IDPs.

The balance of 5,000MT was allocated to NEMA for distribution.

Massive Evacuation of Stranded Nigerians from Libya

55) There was an international outcry on cases of slavery in Libya towards the end of 2017, which informed the decision of Government to commence the Massive Evacuation of Nigerians from Libya.

56) The evacuation of stranded Nigerians from Libya was a multi-agency operation, with the following stakeholders: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force, National Intelligence Agency, Department of State Security, NAPTIP, National Commission for Refugees, relevant State Governments, etc. which was carried out between 26th December 2017 and 22nd February 2018.

57) Operationally, we commenced with a Fact-finding Mission to authenticate the data and information supplied. We then deployed a technical team in Libya as well as Monitoring and Evaluation teams. Back home, we established a Reception Center in Port Harcourt to receive the returnees.

58) The operation commenced smoothly but had to abruptly be terminated due to rising insecurity in Libya that impacted its airport and skies. At the time the project was terminated, Two Thousand, One Hundred and Thirty (2,130) Nigerians were evacuated as against the 5,037 earlier estimated. However, alternative arrangements were made to evacuate the remaining Nigerians trapped in the Militia-controlled area. We worked leveraging on the existing MoU between NEMA and International Office for Migration (IoM) and this has resulted in further evacuation of 3,303 Nigerians. I am pleased to say all repartees under the Federal Government project are safely home.

59) This operation was highly successful with prudent fund management after which the unspent balance was returned to the coffers of Government. The sum of N102,714,095.00 and $4,864,224.00 was graciously approved by Mr. President for the entire project and the balance of N11,039,555.00 and $2,528,073.00 was returned to the Treasury respectively.

CONCLUSION

60) I hope this explanation sheds more light on the activities of NEMA as it relates to the allegations made in the report of the National Assembly House Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness. The projects and programmes above presented are properly documented; Waybills, SRVs, SIVs, and stubs where vouchers were used are all available.

61) We will continue to execute our mandate to the best of our ability.

62) We will continue to consult and engage all stakeholders as our mandate is meant to be inclusive and value adding.

63) We will ensure that the confidence Nigerians have in NEMA during their time of need is sustained and enhanced.

64) In conclusion, NEMA is and will forever remain FOR THE DISTRESSED.

Thank you for Listening

FEATURES

A Lifestyle Of Generosity Finds New Frontiers

Published

7 months ago

February 15, 2025

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As he continues to impact our society positively and find new frontiers, Mr. Seyi Tinubu leaves no one in doubt about his generosity and care.

To Borno with love
For a state still nursing deep scars inflicted by years of violent extremism, the collapse of the Alau Dam, Borno, on December 10 was yet one tragedy too many.

The flood from the dam overwhelmed two local councils in the state (Maiduguri and Jere), killed about 150 people, and displaced over 70 percent of its residents.

Maiduguri and its residents, who never seemed to get enough help for their protracted misery, needed more help after the dam collapsed.

When President Tinubu’s first son, Mr. Seyi Tinubu, with his younger brother, Yinka, and a few others visited the state and announced a donation of N500m, it came as a prayer answered.

The intervention was not only in cash. He also donated 10,000 pieces of mosquito nets, blankets, mattresses, kettles, wrappers, buckets, mats, sanitary pads and wash kits, as well as critical supplies to cover prescriptions for almost 50,000 children and adults, including anti-malarials, anti-hypertensives, anti-parasitics, anti-diabetics, analgesics and antibiotics.

The gesture, which left many pleasantly amazed, caused a ripple in several quarters, especially among those unfamiliar with such heartfelt generosity from the children of Nigeria’s first family without official titles.

Succour for PWDs
Many didn’t know that Seyi wasn’t a stranger to looking out for the distressed and vulnerable. For him, philanthropic and humanitarian gestures not only preceded the Maiduguri tragedy, but it’s a practice he determined to honour, almost like a tradition.

For example, in May 2023, during the Renewed Hope Concert at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja to celebrate President Bola Tinubu’s imminent inauguration, Seyi stirred emotions when he was seen handing out wheelchairs to some people with disabilities present at the venue. The event was attended by then president-elect Tinubu and Vice President-elect Shettima.

The elated beneficiaries, who saw his generous and thoughtful gesture instantly upgrade the quality of their lives, couldn’t contain their joy.

Youth and sports too
Fast forward to 2025, to the Seyi Tinubu Basketball Championship, held at the Dogon Dutse Basketball Pitch in Jos, offered where he donated a total of N5m in cash prizes, with N3m naira awarded to the victorious team and N2m, to the runners-up. It’s clear that Seyi Tinubu’s tradition of uplifting others certainly knows neither tribe nor religion.

For him, the championship—which the organisers said aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda—was enough to celebrate youth, community spirit, and the power of sports to unite people across Nigeria.

A heart for healthcare
However, his interventions have mainly focused on health, with maternal and child health taking the lead.

Through his ‘Drug Banks for Indigent Patients in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatric Pharmacy Intervention’ launched in August 2024 at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Shika-Zaria, Kaduna State, he set out to reach about 600,000 indigent patients monthly across 60 tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

This ambitious project involves establishing drug banks in each of the 60 facilities mandated to service 10,000 indigent patients monthly.

At the inauguration of the project at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Dr. Cole Ayodele, the National Coordinator for the Seyi Tinubu Maternal and Child Health Intervention Scheme, had noted rightly that Nigeria’s maternal mortality was about the 4th highest in the world – a grim record and narrative which this noble initiative from Seyi Tinubu is determined to change.

While launching the same initiative at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), he further endowed an N1,000,000 scholarship granted to the best paediatric resident doctor.

Dr. Gabriel Oyeleke, a senior paediatrics registrar who was reportedly distinguished himself in the line of duty by caring for children in the hospital, was awarded the N1,000,000 scholarship in cash the same day.

The Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Dr. Wasiu Adeyemo, couldn’t hide his pleasure at the initiative. He noted that it would provide significant financial relief for countless indigent individuals who were financially unable to access prescribed drugs and medical treatments.

Before then, the team had visited the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Asaba with the total package, including the N1m Residency Training Scholarship for final-year pediatric residents to assist with registering and preparing for final fellowship exams.

Dr. Joseph Ajanwenyi, who got the scholarship award, thanked Seyi Tinubu for his generosity and also vowed to use the grant responsibly for its intended purpose.

After that, the Seyi Tinubu healthcare intervention train also stopped at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Abuja to donate Life-Saving Drugs Worth Millions of naira.

While celebrating the donation on their Instagram page on September 24, 2024, the FMC Abuja management stated that the donation was Seyi Tinubu’s demonstration of his commitment to maternal and child care.
They also celebrated Dr. Fatima Mohammed, who received the N1,000,000 Seyi Tinubu Residency Training Scholarship the same day.

Medical bills cleared
From Abuja, we head back to the South, this time to Lagos State precisely, where Ifeoluwa Ore, a young sickle cell patient at LASUTH who had been discharged but could not leave because she could not afford the medical bills, was recorded thanking Seyi Tinubu for clearing her medical bills.

Unable to contain her joy and relief, she stated, “It has lifted a lot of burden for my family, and there is no way I can appreciate him enough. I want to say ‘Thank you’ for what he has done and what he is doing God will continue to bless you.”

One of his humanitarian projects, Seyi Tinubu Support Initiative, cleared the medical bills of Ifeoluwa and the others who were stranded.

By Maxwell Uzochukwu, he wrote from Lekki, Lagos.

FEATURES

Governor Okpebholo Is A Blessing To Edo State

Published

8 months ago

January 13, 2025

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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

FEATURES

Okpebholo: Confounding Doubters, Redefining Leadership In Edo By Fred Itua

Published

8 months ago

January 12, 2025

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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