By Fred Itua
Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) is explicit in stating the primary duty of government. In Chapter 2, Section 14(2)(b), it states thus; “The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”.
Hence, there is no argument that security comes first before welfare because the latter cannot exist without the former. It is this clear understanding of his mandate that made His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo to immediately take steps to secure the peace on assumption of office.
On assumption on November 12, 2024, the man who had excelled as a senator before becoming a governor, rolled out a 5-point agenda tagged SHINE – Security, Health, Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Agriculture as well as Education.
*SECURITY*
As governor, Senator Okpebholo has achieved over 100 worthwhile milestones within 100 days in office.
Up until November 12, 2024, Edo state, especially its capital, Benin City, was practically in a Hobbesian state as life was “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short”. Cult-related bloodletting were at an all-time high.
Having come to the job armed with the relevant experiences, requisite qualifications and unparalleled determination to enhance the fortunes of the people, the “Akpakomiza” now fondly called “Akpako-messiah” by the people, took the bull by the horns.
The people’s chief servant immediately declared war on the various cult groups who were on rampage, attacking and counter-attacking rivals.
Thus, it is to his credit that for the first time in recent years, the Yuletide would be celebrated without incidents of cult- related killings in Edo State.
Within the period, Governor Okpebholo dealt a fatal blow on kidnappers. He ordered the swift deployment of a Special Tactical Team to Agenebode in Edo North, an action which led to the timely rescue of kidnapped victims and dislodging of kidnappers and other criminal gangs from that axis.
The situation was the same in Uromi where the governor ensured the rescue of kidnapped victims and smoked out kidnappers and criminal gangs in Uromi and environs.
Determined to sustain the gains recorded in his campaign against cultism and killings, the governor facilitated the passage into law, the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Bill, 2025. The new law which repeals the Edo State Secret Cult (Prohibition) Law, 2018, provides stiffer sanctions for cultists, their sponsors and collaborators.
Knowing the place of mobility in the fight against crimes, the governor procured several brand new Toyota Hilux vehicles for the various security agencies in Edo State to enhance security operations in the State.
This was aside the procurement of 1,000 high functional motorcycles for security operations in hard-to-reach terrains to ensure rapid response and tactical pursuit of kidnappers and other criminals.
The governor also constituted the Public Safety Response Team to assist security agencies in the enforcement of public safety measures and maintenance of public order.
In addition, Governor Okpebholo reconstituted the Edo State Security Corps, ensuring the revalidation of its members as well as illegal arms mop- up. It is interesting to note that over 5,000 illegal firearms have been recovered so far.
*HEALTH*
For over two years, there was a seeming back and forth between the former administration and the Federal Ministry of Health which was desirous of citing a project in Edo state.
However, within seven days in office, Governor Okpebholo facilitated the smooth take-off of the National Obstetrics Fistula Centre in Edo State.
The facility is the first and only one in the South-South Geo-political zone. The people’s governor donated 25 hectares of land (with a Certificate of Occupancy) to the Federal Government for the purpose. Apart from the health benefits derivable from the project, the centre will also offer various levels of employment for citizens of the state, thereby contributing to the state economy.
Governor Okpebholo’s administrative acumen was easily spotted by several stakeholders including the Islamic Development Bank IsDB.
The fruit of that recognition would later see the governor flagging-off the IsDB Support to the Malaria Elimination Project in Edo State and the launch of free malaria testing and treatment in all Government Hospitals in the State for the next two years. The project is through the Lives and Livelihoods Funds LLF of the bank.
In an era where malaria is increasingly proving resistant to known medications, this is an opportunity to roll back malaria in the state, offered on a platter.
Concerned about the welfare of the vulnerable including orphans, woman and children, the governor ordered the onboarding of 300 vulnerable persons across the State into the State Equity Plan of the Edo State Health Insurance Commission.
This is in addition to the digitization of Statewide Health Insurance Data Transmission as well as the successful launch of the Edo State Health Insurance Commission Customer Service/Support Policy.
In 100 days, Governor Okpebholo has embarked on the upgrade of State-owned health facilities to enhance service delivery. He also ensured the completion of the Oredo Primary Healthcare Centre and procured much-needed Transformer and Air conditioners for the Edo Specialist Hospital.
As part of his health interventions, the governor also distributed 18 Ultrasound Machines to hospitals in the 18 Local Government Areas of Edo State.
Other milestones in Health are the distribution of 220 laptops and tables to 220 Primary Healthcare Centres for data management and the procurement of a Bus and Hilux vehicle for Primary Healthcare Project Monitoring.
*INFRASTRUCTURE*
Economists have postulated that the economic growth of a city depends on infrastructure.
So, in order to make life more meaningful for the people, provide jobs and boost the economy, the governor has made giant strides in infrastructural development.
Some of the milestones include the award of contract and commencement of construction of a flyover bridge at Ramat Park, Benin City; procurement of Payloaders, trucks and compressors for the Edo State Waste Management Agency to enhance service delivery; and, the passage and implementation of the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission Law which empowers the State to generate, transmit and distribute power. The gains of these actions are very well obvious.
Governor Okpebholo also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the NNPC Limited and other investors to build a $300 Million Condensate Refinery in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State.
Others are signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the installation of $500m 100MW Hydropower Plants at Ikpoba and Ojirami Dams in Edo State; and, resuscitation of the Edo Transport Service (a.k.a Edo Line) with the procurement and commissioning of 100 brand new Hiace Buses for inter-state travels. A veritable transportation system is one powerful public relations tool, capable of wooing potential investors and boosting tourism. So, reviving Edo Line is not just about repositioning the company for increased revenue generation through one stream of income but the multiplier effects on the economy.
It must also be noted that every contract awarded by the governor passed due process and have timelines for completion. The Governor Okpebholo administration will not award contracts for the sake of merely awarding them. Every contract that has been awarded will be completed by the administration.
Some of the projects awarded are contract for the rehabilitation of some failed sections of Upper Mission Road, Benin City; award of contract and rehabilitation of critically failed sections of the Benin-Auchi Road from Obadan Junction to Iruekpen; award of contract and ongoing construction of Ekpoma-Uromi-Ubiaja Road, Edo State; and, award of contract and ongoing construction of Uromi-Onewa-Udomi-Ibhiolulu-Afuda-Idumoza-Eko-Uwaya-Ewora Road with Spurs, Edo State.
Others are award of contract and ongoing construction of Ekiuwa-University of Benin City (UNIBEN) Road, off Upper Mission Road (Temboga Road Extension), Benin City; award of contract and construction of Varsity Road, off Usugbenu Road in Esan Central Local Government Area. This has already been completed.
Also, there is the award of contract and ongoing Construction of Palace Road, off Upper Mission Road, Benin City; Construction of Irrua-Akho-Illeh-Ukhun Road in Esan Central and Esan West Local Government Areas; Construction of Irrua-Illeh-Usenu-Ukhun Road in Esan West Local Government Area; procurement of contract for the construction of Ohe-Uzea Road in Esan North East Local Government Area, as well as the procurement of contract for the construction of Prince Harrison Street, Illeh in Esan Central Local Government Area.
Others include approval for the procurement of contract for the reconstruction of Boundary Road, off Ogba Road, Benin City; procurement of contract for the construction of Okhunmwun Road in Ovia North East Local Government Area; procurement of contract for the construction of 1.5km Utako-Idumu-Aligbe Road, 0.8km Idumu-Ekhuere Road and increased quantity for the replacement of the existing undulating drains as additional works to the contract for the construction of Uromi-Onewa-Udomi-Ibhiolulu-Afuda-Idumoza-Eko-Uwaya-Ewora Road with Spurs.
The Governor has also approved the renovation of the Offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, Secretary to the State Government and Head of Service; rehabilitation of four Court of Appeal Complexes and Judges’ Quarters; revitalisation of the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) Ihievbe Substation, an action which restored operations after nearly a decade of downtime; upgrade of Information and Communications Technology and other infrastructure at the State-owned Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS); procurement of Two units of 150KVA Perkins Generator for EBS; and, procurement of high-end digital equipment such as High-performance Mac, Broadcasting and Streaming Softwares, Professional Quadcopter Drone with 4K UHD Video Camera, 10kva TV Transmitter, Audio Interfaces/Mixers etc.
Governor Okpebholo also approved the upgrade of Edo State’s Network Infrastructure from 1 Gigabit to a 10 Gigabit Fibre Network supporting services like video conferencing, large file sharing, VoIP calls and more across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs)
The administration has partnered with Cisco Networking Academy and others to train and equip staff of the Information Communications Technology Agency Network to efficiently control and independently manage the 10 Gigabit Fibre Network across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
As part of measures to develop effective feedback mechanism and run an all-inclusive administration, the governor, through the Community Social Development Agency CSDA embarked on the construction of Town Halls in Ohanmi, Owan East Local Government Area and 20 other communities across the three Senatorial Districts of Edo State.
There is also the provision of All-in-One Solar Streetlights in Iyekogba and 30 other Communities across the three Senatorial Districts of Edo State, using the CSDA Platform.
Being an administrator who understands that development is an all-round concept that is inclusive, the governor has a great interest in rural development.
This is why, through the CSDA platform, he has in 100 days provided 500 KVA Transformers and rural electrification in Uwessan, Esan Central Local Government Area and 25 other Communities across the three senatorial districts of the state.
Still under the CSDA platform, the governor embarked on the construction of markets and lockup stores in Auchi and other locations in the three Senatorial Districts; provided boreholes and reticulation at Uzenema, Esan North East and other selected locations in the 3 senatorial districts, as well as the reconstruction of a Police Post at Ojo-Uwelu, Egor, Esan Central Local Government Area.
*NATURAL RESOURCES & AGRICULTURE*
In order to immediately reduce the cost of living and make life easier for the people, the governor on assumption of office banned Market Unions who hitherto fixed exorbitant prices for goods and food items arbitrarily.
On December 31, 2024, the governor also signed an Executive Order for the Establishment, Adoption and Implementation of the Principles of Framework for responsible and inclusive Land-intensive Agricultural Investments (FRILIA). This is a set of pro-people guidelines that encouraged transparency and accountability in large-scale agricultural practices.
Governor Okpebholo also granted approval for the establishment of the State Road Fund (SRF) and Rural Access Road Agency (RARA), requirements under the FRILIA RAAMP programme. This will qualify Edo State to access the $500 million World Bank grant for Rural Agricultural Development.
It is also worthy to note that the governor recently increased the Budget of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security from an insignificant N5.9 billion in 2024 to over N70 billion in 2025 marking a record breaking 1,086% increase. The aim is to boost food product and sufficiency.
The governor also distributed 8,188 bags of fertilizer to 4,094 farmers, facilitated the raising of 34,576 cocoa seedlings with Bass Cocoa Farms, facilitated the building of a Model Facility Veterinary Hospital as well as the disbursement of over N500 million to empower 1,797 farmers in the State under the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project.
Governor Okpebholo within also approved the sum of N1.6 billion to cover the remaining eight Local Government Areas not captured by the Project.
The governor has also declared a back-to-farm initiative to boost food production across the State.
The back-to-farm initiative is an agricultural revolution in the state through which the Okpebholo administration plans to establish farms in the three senatorial districts as well as provide farmers with the needed incentives to produce more food for the nation.
*EDUCATION*
In Education, the governor has taken steps to reposition the State-owned Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
For a start, he increased the monthly subvention from a paltry N41 million to N500 Million, an increase of over 1,119.5 percent.
He has gone ahead to restore the illegally disengaged Staff of the University as well as the recruitment of qualified academic and non-academic staff for the institution.
The governor has also appointed and inaugurated a Governing Council for the University, after he successfully resolved the long-standing delay in the Induction of 128 Graduates from the College of Medicine of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
In 100 days, Governor Okpebholo has embarked on recruiting 500 Teachers for Basic and Post-Basic Schools in Edo State.
He has embarked on other educational projects like the construction and furnishing of Eweka Primary School in Benin City; construction and renovation of New Era College, Benin City; construction and renovation of Ebomisi Secondary School, Ebomisi; and, construction and renovation of Illeh Primary School, Esan West.
Others are construction and renovation of Irrua Girls Grammar School, Irrua, construction and renovation of Udomi Primary School Uwessan. He has also taken steps to revamp all Technical Colleges in the State.
Governor Okpebholo has secured accreditation for three Programmes at the Edo State Polytechnic, Usen. The Programmes are; HND Business Administration, HND Estate Management, and ND Mineral and Petroleum Resources.
He has also embarked on the construction, furnishing and fencing of 3 blocks of classrooms at Ugbubezi Primary School, Sabongida Ora and other locations in the 3 Senatorial Districts, using the CSDA platform.
*OTHERS*
Governor Okpebholo has embarked on restoration, healing and delivering justice to all.
Accordingly, within few days in office, he fully restored the statutory rights to His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin.
The governor, known for his inclusive governance model, has also established the Edo State Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
In 100 days, the governor has been able to plug revenue leakages and avoid wastage in government.
He has consequently improved the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from an average of N8 billion monthly to over N10 billion, marking the 1st time ever that IGR would hit double digits in the history of Edo State
Other achievements include the appointment of 38 First Class Graduates as part of his administration’s Graduate Development Programme; Expansion of the Graduate Development Programme, now re-christened the Public Service Talent Development Programme; and, approval for the implementation of the new Public Service Rules, which were last reviewed 25 years ago.
The governor was able to stop the exploitation and casualisation of cleaners by Consultants and approved the direct employment of over 700 Cleaners into the Edo State Public Service, with minimum wage and job security.
Before now, several civil service jobs and schedules were outsourced to consultants. Within the last 100 days, the governor disengaged several Consultants who were fleecing Edo State funds and had taken over the functions of many Public Servants without just cause. The Governor returned Public Servants to their duty posts thereby enhancing their career development and advancement.
The governor also swore in 3 Judges who were excluded from being sworn in by the Godwin Obaseki Administration despite being confirmed by the National Judicial Council (NJC)
Governor Okpebholo also launched an interest-free loan Scheme for market women, farmers, artisans and entrepreneurs across urban and rural areas of the State. Over 5,000 beneficiaries have been earmarked to receive the loan to stabilize businesses and drive economic growth.
Edo State, in collaboration with the World Bank, disbursed grants to over 400 small and medium scale business owners, reducing their financial burden and fostering business resilience.
In 100 days, “Edojobs” recorded 5,102 walk-ins at its job centres across 8 locations with 317 residents successfully placed in jobs, 559 vacancies sourced, and employability outcomes growing by 2,097%.
Also, the Edo State Government through the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub trained 172 Edo youth in filmmaking via a 3-day workshop, equipping them with storytelling, scriptwriting, content creation and video editing skills for the creative industry.
Government through the Edo Innovates partnered with GirlLEAD to empower women with entrepreneurial, leadership and tech skills, bridging the gender gap in STEM.
In 100 days, the governor has repositioned the Bendel Newspaper Corporation (The Nigerian Observer): Ensured the take-off of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency with the appointment of a pioneer Managing Director; Constituted and inaugurated Boards and Commissions previously not inaugurated by the last administration for 8 years; and, payment of the “13th month” salary to Edo workers
His Excellency also approved the recruitment of 50 public officers to provide professional services for the Edo State Public Building and Maintenance Agency, while initiating collaboration with ICT Experts worldwide to ensure the delivery of professional network and Internet services to all MDAs.
Others are equipping ICTA personnel with opportunities to acquire professional certifications from the Cisco Networking Academy, Network Development Group (NDG), Nigerian ICT Forum, and Nigerian Network Operators Group (ngNOG). The administration has enrolled at least 20 ICTA Staff on Cisco Academy platform for the training and certification exams.
The also facilitated the passage of a Law for the Extension of the retirement ages of Magistrates and Presidents of Area Customary Courts in Edo State.
In collaboration with the Office of Nigeria’s First Lady, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Edo State Government through the Renewed Hope Initiative, empowered 250 elderly persons across the 18 LGAs of the State with a cash grant of N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) each.
Still in collaboration with the Office of Her Excellency, wife of the President through the Renewed Hope Initiative, the administration has distributed essential food items to the vulnerable and needy within the State.
While 100 days may not exactly be enough to assess a man who has a 4-year renewable mandate, Governor Okpebholo has shown greater commitment to the core principles of governance. The next 100 days promises to be highly eventful.
*Fred Itua is the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor.*
