Benin City, Edo State – In a landmark anniversary address on Thursday, Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo marked one year of his administration with a message of optimism, gratitude and renewed determination, declaring that Edo State has entered a “new dawn of purposeful, people‑centered governance.” Speaking before a distinguished audience in Benin City, the Governor said his government had “restored hope, rebuilt institutions, and renewed the people’s confidence in government.”
“Today’s celebration 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,” Okpebholo said. He recounted that when he assumed office he inherited “a State weighed down by rot, debt, insecurity, and distrust,” but through focus, prayer and teamwork his administration has 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 added.
On security, the Governor described Edo as having been “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 “We repealed the weak anti‑cultism law, enacted a stronger one, equipped our security forces with 60 Hilux vans and 400 motorcycles, and recruited 2,500 officers into the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.”
In healthcare, Okpebholo said the sector had been “collapsing” with shortages of basic drugs and demoralised staff. “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.
The Governor highlighted infrastructure achievements, noting that his administration has “redefined urban renewal and rural development in just one year.” He said 28 new road projects covering over 255 kilometres have been awarded, and for the first time two major flyovers – at Ramat Park and Adesuwa‑Sapele Road – are under construction simultaneously.
Agricultural development was another focus, with the Governor revealing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” inspired a surge in investment. “We raised our agriculture budget from ₦4.5 billion to over ₦70 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,” he said.
Education reforms were also touted. “When we took office, our children studied in leaking classrooms without teachers or learning materials,” Okpebholo recalled. “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.”
Economic reform, the Governor said, began with inherited debts of over ₦600 billion 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.
Governance improvements included the restoration of judicial integrity, the swearing‑in of previously sidelined judges, the re‑establishment of the Customary Court and the strengthening of traditional institutions. “Governance in Edo today is no longer about noise, it is about measurable impact and restored dignity,” Okpebholo asserted.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his leadership and guidance, and thanked cabinet members, political leaders, royal fathers and the people of Edo for their loyalty. Goodwill messages were delivered by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Chief Lucky Imasuen and Dr. Pius Odubu, who praised the Governor’s steady, reform‑driven approach.
Concluding his address, Okpebholo delivered a rousing message to the youth: “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 ceremony ended amid celebration, with guests, dignitaries and citizens hailing the Governor’s first anniversary as a defining statement of renewal, courage and the dawn of a truly new Edo State.
