Okpebholo: One Year Of Promise Kept

Within 365 days in office as the Executive Governor of Edo state, Senator Monday Okpebholo has put the machinery of governance of the state to an irreversible gear of progress


How time flies. November 12, 2024 which seems like yesterday was the day destiny beckoned on the humane and calculative Senator Monday Okpebholo. It was the day he was sworn in as the Executive governor of the state having been declared winner of the governorship election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, in Benin City, the state capital, the governor rolled out drums to count his blessings after one year of stewardship to the good people of Edo state. Delivering an anniversary address full of gratitude and renewed determination to his guests and the people of the state, the governor stated that his administration had “restored hope, rebuilt institutions and renewed the people’s confidence in government”. He reaffirmed his commitment to deepening reforms across sectors of the state’s economy.

The governor’s address which formed the highlight of a grand commemorative event was 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. In his words, “Today’s celebration is not just about marking one year in office, but also 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 kidnapping, 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 “We repealed the weak anti-cultism law, enacted a stronger one, equipped our security forces with 60 Hilux vans and 400 motorcycles, and recruited 2,500 officers into Edo State Security Corps. Today, Edo is safer, calmer and no longer a sanctuary for criminals.”

Highlighting the administration’s reforms in health care, 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,” he said. “We have now begun the building of new Primary Health Centres across the 18 wards, equipped diagnostic facilities in councils and started work on a new 100-bed Specialist Hospital in Uromi, Edo Central. Our goal is to make quality health care accessible to every Edo indigene.”

On infrastructure, the governor noted that his administration had 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 kilometres. 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 N4.5 billion to over N70 billion. “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 has been permanently employed, and 63 schools have been renovated and upgraded to modern standards. We also increased Ambrose Alli University’s subvention from N41 million to N500 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 N600 billion in local and foreign debts and N180 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 N1 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.

In a deeply reflective tone, 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.” Summing up, the governor expressed appreciation to his Executive Council Members, political leaders, royal fathers and the people of Edo for their loyalty and cooperation. Having achieved so much within one year in office, the people of Edo state are looking forward with great expectations in the years ahead.