On November 12, 2024, Edo state turned a new page – that was the day Senator Monday Okpebholo was sworn in as Governor. It effectively ended an era defined by empty sloganeering and misplaced priorities and the beginning of one grounded in real leadership, action, and results.
Unlike his predecessor’s Make Edo Great Again (MEGA) – a cheap knock off of Trump’s MAGA, which ultimately succeeded only in “Making Edo Grounded Again” – Okpebholo’s administration is focused on undoing the damage of the past eight years while setting new standards for governance.
For nearly a decade, Edo’s development was stifled under a leader who prioritised battling political enemies over serving the people. Of course, resources were mismanaged, infrastructure crumbled, and governance became more about personal vendettas then meaningful progress. The state was in the news for all the wrong reasons – economic stagnation, political repression, and policies that looked good on paper but failed miserably in execution.
Now, there is a breath of fresh air – Governor Okpebholo has launched his five-point agenda, Project SHINE – a comprehensive plan to address the Security. Health, Infrastructure, Nutrition (Agriculture), and Education deficits in the state. Again, unlike the failed promises of the past administration, this is not a publicity stunt but a well-reasoned, action-driven strategy designed to restore the lost glory of our Dear state and place her on a trajectory of sustainable development.
Now, let us consider one of the most damaging legacies of the last administration – its reckless attitude to security. Instead of strengthening law enforcement and investing in community safety, armed ragtag groups, thugs and political mercenaries whose primary job was to terrorise political opponents and suppress dissent took over Rather than securing our communities, there were sponsored unrests, fueling an atmosphere of fear, and turning security into a tool of oppression.
The results, of course, were catastrophic. Kidnappings among Benin-Auchi Road, the Owan axis, and even inside Benin city became rampant, with criminals operating freely while law-abiding citizens lived in fear. The economy of the state also suffered as investors fled and businesses struggled under the weight of insecurity
Governor Okpebholo has made it very clear that such lawlessness will no longer be tolerated. His administration is refocusing security efforts on protecting citizens rather then politicians through Project SHINE.
The administration is investing significantly in modern policing techniques, strengthen intelligence gathering, and improve collaboration between law enforcement and communities, ensuring that Edo becomes a safe place to live and do business.
Okpebholo’s government is also working closely with local vigilantes, traditional rulers, and security agencies to create an effective security framework that truly serves the people and ensures that crime is both discouraged and swiftly prosecuted for deterrence.
When it comes to health, don’t forget that for years, the healthcare system in Edo state suffered under neglect. Public hospitals were in ruins, medical professionals were underpaid, and patients were forced to provide their own basic supplies before receiving treatment. The previous administration made token efforts, commissioning empty buildings while ignoring the decaying hospitals already in existence.
At the Central Hospital in Benin, for example, patients were often turned away due to a lack of basic drugs, equipment, and personnel. In smaller towns, clinics either didn’t exist or lacked doctors. As a result, many Edo residents had to travel to neighboring states just to get proper medical care.
Okpebholo’s approach is different. His administration is prioritizing the renovation of hospitals, equipping them with modern medical facilities, and recruiting qualified personnel. More than just fixing buildings, he is also ensuring that doctors and nurses are well-paid and properly trained so that Edo’s healthcare system is not just functional but world-class.
Additionally, his administration is placing emphasis on preventive healthcare, making sure that immunization drives, maternal health programs, and disease prevention campaigns receive proper funding and implementation. No longer will the state’s healthcare be about mere survival – it will be about ensuring quality and accessibility for all.
Okpebholo’s agenda for infrastructure is clear – under the past administration, Roads in Edo state became death traps, public utilities crumbled, and markets deteriorated. Many major roads in Benin City, Auchi, Ekpoma, and Uromi were left in a state of disrepair, making transportation difficult and increasing accidents and vehicle maintenance costs for residents.
Okpebholo’s approach is practical and strategic. His government has identified critical roads that need urgent repairs to improve transportation and commerce.
His administration is also focusing on flood control in areas like Uselu, Ogiso, and Igbinedion Street in Benin, where poor drainage has worsened living conditions. Instead of politically motivated contracts that go nowhere, his infrastructure development plan is based on real needs, expert assessments, and proper execution.
In less than 100 days in office, Governor Okpebholo flagged off the construction of the Ramat Park Flyover Bridge, a long-overdue project set to ease traffic congestion and improve movement in Benin City.
Unlike the previous administration, which was heavy on talk but slow on action, Okpebholo demonstrated his willingness to travel in a different direction and move swiftly to address a critical infrastructure gap.
The flyover will make daily commuting smoother, reduce travel time for businesses and residents, and create jobs for engineers, construction workers, and suppliers.
This simply tells of the governor’s commitment to practical solutions, timely execution, and governance that directly improves the lives of Edo people.
In the SHINE agenda, you have nutrition – that is to say agriculture. Don’t forget that Edo state is an agriculturally rich state, but under the last administration, farming suffered due to broken promises and failed policies. One of the most notable failures was the Agripreneur Program, which was hyped as a revolutionary project that would create millionaire farmers but quietly died without a trace. Farmers were promised access to funding, modern equipment, and government-backed support, but in reality, they were left stranded with no tangible benefits.
Okpebholo’s government is taking a more serious and structured approach. His administration is revitalizing agriculture by providing real access to credit, introducing mechanized farming techniques, and investing in agro-processing.
The administration has ready plans to revive large-scale existing farmlands in the state and also cultivate new ones. He will not relent on oil palm, cassava, pineapple farming, cocoa, and rice farming, while ensuring that Edo people benefit from government investments. With PROJECT SHINE, the administration is making sure that agriculture moves from just a subsistence activity to becoming a real driver of economic growth.
And for education, which is the last agenda on the project SHINE, Okpebholo is taking a different route from his predecessor.
The previous administration boasted about its EdoBest program, selling it as a model for educational reform. But in reality, it was little more than a tool for attracting donor funds rather than an actual solution to Edo’s education crisis.
Schools lacked proper infrastructure, teachers were overwhelmed with excessive workloads, and arbitrary cuts to subventions left many institutions struggling to function. At the primary level, there was no serious effort to improve enrollment, leading to a growing number of out-of-school children.
Governor Okpebholo is addressing these issues head-on. His administration has increased education funding, prioritized teacher recruitment and training, and invested in renovating dilapidated schools. No longer will Edo’s children learn under trees or in overcrowded, unsafe classrooms. His policies under PROJECT SHINE are focused on real impact, not mere optics.
The idea around the narrative of PROJECT SHINE simply sets Okpebholo apart is his focus on substance over political drama. While the previous administration wasted time fighting imaginary enemies and enforcing political tyranny, Okpebholo’s government is laser-focused on development and progress.
He has presented a roadmap for rebuilding Edo State – a plan that prioritizes security, good healthcare, modern infrastructure, a thriving agricultural sector, and quality education. Most importantly, it is a plan that puts the people first.
For the first time in years, Edo people can see real governance in action – a government that is about results, not rhetoric. It is clear that under Okpebholo’s watch, Edo will truly shine again.
