Hobnob News
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering a self-sustaining economy by prioritizing home-grown solutions and eliminating reliance on external consultants. Speaking at an event marking his first 100 days in office, held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, the governor emphasized that his government had laid a solid foundation for economic and governance reforms aimed at empowering the people of Edo.
The milestone event was attended by an array of dignitaries, including the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje; former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole; former Deputy Governors Dr. Pius Odubu and Hon. Philip Shaibu; Senator Matthew Urhoghide; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu; commissioners; members of the state assembly; traditional rulers; and other key stakeholders.
Security Reforms and Crime Reduction
Governor Okpebholo revealed that his administration had made significant strides in tackling security challenges across the state. Within his first 100 days in office, 3,500 illegal firearms had been recovered from the now-reformed Edo State Security Corps. To further strengthen security operations, the government procured 75 Toyota Hilux vehicles and 50 motorcycles to aid law enforcement agencies in responding more effectively to security threats.
Additionally, the governor disclosed that his administration had taken decisive action to combat cult-related violence, which had plagued the state for years. He highlighted amendments made to the anti-cultism and anti-kidnapping laws, introducing stricter penalties to deter such activities. These measures, he noted, had already led to a significant reduction in cult-related violence.
Economic Growth and Revenue Expansion
On the economic front, Okpebholo announced that his administration had successfully increased Edo State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to over ₦10 billion—the highest in the state’s history. This was achieved through prudent financial management and eliminating wasteful expenditures, including disengaging consultants whose services were deemed unnecessary.
“We have redirected resources previously spent on consultants towards improving public service efficiency and economic growth,” the governor stated. “Our goal is to ensure that Edo’s wealth remains within the state and benefits its people.”
Furthermore, his administration has introduced support programs for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including the provision of soft loans to traders to stimulate local businesses and drive economic expansion.
Advancements in Healthcare and Social Welfare
As part of his efforts to improve public health, Governor Okpebholo launched an initiative to provide free malaria tests and treatment for the next two years. This program aims to reduce the burden of malaria, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.
In addition to healthcare improvements, the administration has embarked on infrastructural projects designed to address the long-standing challenges of inadequate roads, inefficient public service delivery, and poor urban planning.
A Vision for Edo’s Future
Reflecting on the state’s transformation within his first 100 days in office, Okpebholo acknowledged that while challenges remain, the foundation for lasting progress had been laid.
“When we assumed office, we inherited a state with immense potential but riddled with infrastructure deficits, struggling businesses, and inefficiencies in governance,” he said. “From day one, our mission has been clear: restore trust in leadership, create economic opportunities, and set Edo on a path to sustainable progress.”
He further outlined his administration’s long-term economic blueprint, which focuses on agriculture, infrastructure development, and investment in youth skill acquisition. His goal, he stated, is to position Edo as Nigeria’s fifth-largest economy over the next four years.
Commendations from Political and Party Leaders
The governor’s achievements within this short period have not gone unnoticed. Former Governor Adams Oshiomhole hailed Okpebholo’s leadership, describing him as an “action governor” who prioritizes tangible results over rhetoric.
Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, also pledged the legislature’s unwavering support for the administration, citing the passage of key bills aimed at driving the state’s progress.
APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, commended Okpebholo’s leadership, expressing satisfaction with his achievements within just 100 days.
“In such a short period, you have set the stage for the rest of your tenure, and we have no doubt that you will continue on this path of transformation,” Ganduje said. “Members of the APC National Working Committee are proud of your achievements and are closely monitoring the positive changes unfolding in Edo.”
The Road Ahead
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering inclusive governance, ensuring that policies and programs directly benefit the people. He urged residents to remain engaged in the state’s developmental journey, emphasizing that sustainable progress requires collective effort.
With bold reforms already in motion and a clear vision for the future, Edo State appears poised for a new era of economic self-sufficiency, security, and infrastructural development u
nder the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
