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Tag: Monday Okpebholo

  • Okpebholo will ensure equitable distribution of democracy dividends – Idahosa

    Okpebholo will ensure equitable distribution of democracy dividends – Idahosa

    The deputy governor of Edo state, Dennis Idahosa, has assured that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo will ensure fairness and inclusivity in the distribution of democracy dividends across the state.

    Idahosa emphasized that the government is firmly committed to upholding the values of justice, fairness, and equity, guaranteeing that no community will be left out due to discrimination.

    The Deputy Governor, a former member of the House of Representatives, made these remarks yesterday at Government House, Benin, during a meeting with members of the Association of Non-Indigenes in Edo, also known as the Coalition of Ethnic Nationalities.

    He further assured that the current administration would address the oversight of neglected communities in the execution of projects under the previous government of Godwin Obaseki.

    Edo deputy governor said: “I wish to assure that the neglect suffered by some persons, groups, and communities in the previous administration, as a result of being members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will be addressed.

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    “All parts of Edo State will be made to feel the impact of government, nobody or area will be left behind, as a result of political affiliation.”

    Idahosa, in a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Friday Aghedo, also stated that the coming together of various ethnic groups to form the coalition of ethnic nationalities in Edo was a testament of their firm believe in the corporate existence of the country and their state of residence.

    He said: “We have keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Tinubu, with emphasis on building a united and peaceful Nigeria.”

    Edo deputy governor also hailed the efforts of the non-indigenes in the state to integrate themselves into the culture and traditions of the people.

    Idahosa noted commended their contributions to and support for Okpebholo during the campaigns and since the November 12 inauguration, while assuring them them that they would not regret their actions.

    Edo Coordinator of the coalition, Monday Omashola, an engineer, had earlier stated that the members were contributing meaningfully to the advancement of socio-economic growth of the state.

    Omashola disclosed that the coalition was duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), with 17,235 members spread across the three senatorial districts of Edo.

  • We won’t rely on consultants to run Edo, says Okpebholo

    We won’t rely on consultants to run Edo, says Okpebholo

    Edo state governor, Monday Okpebholo, has declared that his administration will not depend on consultants to manage the affairs of the state.

    The governor made this known on Tuesday during the swearing-in ceremony of members of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service, Local Government Service Commission, Edo State Sports Commission, and newly appointed Permanent Secretaries.

    Okpebholo assured the newly inaugurated officials of his administration’s full support to enable them to discharge their duties efficiently and effectively.

    He emphasised that his government is committed to delivering impactful governance, fulfilling his campaign promise to improve the lives of the people of Edo state.

    Read Also: Minister hails First Lady’s Renewed Hope programme impactful service

    Edo governor said: “We are here today in pursuit of a better society, as we swear in members of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service, members of the State Local Governments Commission, members of the State Sports Commission and permanent Secretaries.

    “It is obvious that my administration is set to make a huge difference in governance which is my campaign promise to the good people of Edo State. We want to take up this challenge very responsibly, because things cannot remain the way they are.

    “My administration is determined to raise the bar for good governance, infrastructural development, and social services for our citizens. As for the Edo State Internal Revenue Service Commission, Local Government Service Commission and Sports Commission, we will support you with everything you need to succeed.

    “To our new permanent secretaries, we will assist you to build a public service that will be responsive to innovation, as we would not allow consultants to do your new jobs. We will continue to support you. 

    “As you resume a new duty, we will constantly hold you accountable when and where necessary, especially when translating our programmes and policies into reality.”

    The chairman of the Edo state internal revenue service, Oladele Bankole-Balogun, while responding, thanked Okpebholo for the confidence reposed in the inaugurated officials and assured of collaboration to ensure the success of the administration.

    Damian Lawani is the chairman of Local Government Services Commission; Amadin Desmond Enabulele is the Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission; Dr. Paul Ehienwerio was inaugurated as permanent secretary in Edo State Civil Service, among others.

  • JUST IN: Edo Gov dissolves SIEC, Assembly service commission, others

    JUST IN: Edo Gov dissolves SIEC, Assembly service commission, others

    Edo state governor, Monday Okpebholo, has dissolved all commissions in the state’s public service, effective immediately.

    The announcement was made by the Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), Umar Ikhilor, on Tuesday.

    Ikhilor confirmed that the dissolution affected several key bodies, including the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (ESIEC), House of Assembly Service Commission, Civil Service Commission, Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission, Edo State Forestry Commission, Edo State Audit Service Commission, and the Judicial Service Commission.

    Read Also: National Assembly declares Edo Governor Okpebholo’s, deputy’s seats vacant

    The SSG instructed that all chairmen and members of the dissolved commissions are to hand over any government property in their possession to the most senior public officer within their respective commissions.

  • BREAKING: Senate declares Edo Governor Okpebholo’s seat vacant

    BREAKING: Senate declares Edo Governor Okpebholo’s seat vacant

    The Senate on Wednesday declared the seat of Governor Monday Okpebholo vacant.

    The Senate also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a bye-election to fill the vacancy.

    The seat of Okpebholo, who represented Edo Central Senatorial District, became vacant following his election and inauguration as the Governor of Edo State last month.

    Read Also: Okpebholo presents N605b 2025 budget to Edo Assembly

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the declarations after a valedictory session for Okpebholo organised by the Senate.

    Akpabio urged the Governor to keep his legacy of good works as he carries out his duties as governor of Edo state.

    Details shortly…

  • Okpebholo presents N605b 2025 budget to Edo Assembly

    Okpebholo presents N605b 2025 budget to Edo Assembly

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday, December 10, presented the state’s 2025 budget of N605 billion, titled “Renewed Hope for a Rising Edo,” to the 24-member House of Assembly. 

    This represents a 25 percent increase over the 2024 budget. 

    Governor Okpebholo outlined that 37 percent of the budget, totaling N223 billion, would be allocated to recurrent expenditure, while the remaining N381 billion, or 63 percent, would be earmarked for capital projects, in line with his administration’s vision of a newly rising Edo.

    Okpebholo said: “The proposed appropriation bill is a product of wide consultations. It will ensure accountability and transparency in governance, for responsive service delivery to the people of Edo State. 

    “The 2025 proposed budget is designed to achieve the goals of my five-point agenda, which are security, infrastructural development, healthcare, food sufficiency and education.

    “We have also prepared this budget appropriation with the aim of achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government. 

    “We have condensed the programmes into the State Development Plan, which will remain the basis for my administration in the year 2025.”

    Edo governor, while giving the breakdown of the 2025 budget, revealed that road infrastructure would gulp N162 billion, with education having appropriation of N48 billion, out of which Edo government-owned Ambrose Ali University (AAU), Ekpoma would be provided with N500 million monthly subvention, to ensure its revival.

    Read Also: Okpebholo faults Obaseki’s refusal to distribute books donated by Tinubu

    On security and community development, he stated that his administration, powered by the drive to bring about peace and harmony in all parts of the state, would put energies to ensure hostilities between communities were resolved, while health had a budget of N63.9 billion, with commitment to increase access to quality healthcare.

    Okpebholo disclosed that agriculture had N4.5 billion, since it had been playing a pivotal role in food production, revenue generation and job creation, with the need to strengthen the agricultural sector, particularly in the area of farm mechanisation, while special attention would be paid to the security of farmers and safety of the farmlands.

    He said: “I have highlighted the major policy objectives of the 2025 budget, aimed at uplifting the socio-economic conditions of our people. Let me once again renew my deep appreciation to this Honourable house for the cooperation and support extended to this administration since inception.

    “I want to sincerely appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his forthright leadership and the timely intervention in our state, in road construction, education, workers welfare, and a whole lot more.”

    The speaker of Edo House of Assembly, Chief Blessing Agbebaku, assured the state’s governor that he and other legialators would work with relevant stakeholders to ensure speedy passage of the appropriation bill.

    Agbebaku also urged all heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to provide the necessary documents to the lawmakers, so as to ensure speedy passage of the budget, while promising that the legislators would work with Okpebholo to make sure Edo residents enjoy the dividends of democracy.

  • PDP zonal chair hails APC governor on impressive performance

    PDP zonal chair hails APC governor on impressive performance

    The National Vice Chairman, Southsouth, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Orbih, has hailed Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo’s developmental strides in just one month in office.

    Orbih, the father of the day at the first anniversary of an online television, yesterday said Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had been delivering the dividends of democracy to Edo residents, through practical governance.

    The zonal chairman, a former Edo chairman of PDP, said: “You (Okpebholo) have started well. Our prayer for you is to finish well. For over three weeks, you have been the governor of Edo State. You started well and are doing well for Edo people.

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    “For over four years, I refused to attend any function of this status, but with you as the governor of Edo State, I have seen something new and will identify with you, because you mean well for Edo people.”

    Okpebholo, who was a guest of honour at the event, lauded the founder of the online television station and urged her to keep up the good work.

    He said his administration would continue to support the brand, ensuring its success in the broadcast industry.

  • Governor appoints CMD for Edo Specialist Hospital

    Governor appoints CMD for Edo Specialist Hospital

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the appointment of Dr Anthonia Njoku as the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the state Specialist Hospital.

    The appointment is contained in a statement by Musa Ikhilor, Secretary to the Edo Government (SSG),yesterday in Benin.

    According to him, the appointment takes effect from December 4.

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    Ikhilor said Njoku attended the College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, where she earned a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S), MSc. in Reproductive Health.

    The SSG said the new CMD also obtained a Diploma in Bioethics and Certificate in Principles and Practice of Clinical Research, Harvard T.H CHAN School of Public Health, Harvard Boston.

    Until this appointment, she was a Senior Lecturer, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medical Sciences, Ambrose AIli University, Ekpoma.

    She is also an Honorary Consultant Sp. Grade 1, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo.

  • Okpebholo inaugurates three judges

    Okpebholo inaugurates three judges

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo yesterday at the New Festival Hall of Government House, Benin, inaugurated three judges.
    He said 11 months after the recommendation of National Judicial Council (NJC), only five of those recommended were inaugurated as judges by the former administration, leaving out three, even when they had all been cleared and recommended by the NJC.
    Okpebholo said no one should be discriminated against, marginalised or hated for personal reasons, or on account of not having a godfather.
    He said as judges of Edo High Court, they were expected to uphold high standard of conduct, ensure fair dispute resolution, uphold rights of citizens and bring culprits to justice.

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    Okpebholo said: “During my swearing-in as governor of Edo State on November 12, I acknowledged the critical role of the judiciary, under the doctrine of Separation of Powers. Today (December 2), we are gathered here to strengthen that role for the judiciary.
    “The three judges will now have the opportunity to sit with their colleagues at the bench of the Edo State High Court, to discharge their duties as beacons of hope.”
    The three newly-inaugurated judges are Ojo Maureen Osa, Okundamiya Godwin Jeff and Edoghogho Eboigbe.
    Responding on behalf of the trio, Osa thanked Okpebholo for the opportunity given to them to serve as judges.
    She appreciated the governor for making their inauguration a reality, just three weeks after assuming power.
    She prayed that his tenure would be successful.

  • Governor reinstates varsity lecturers

    Governor reinstates varsity lecturers

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the reinstatement of lecturers of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma.

    They were disengaged by the defunct Special Intervention Team (SIT) in March last year.

    Read Also: 2025 Budget: Gov Sani proposes N790bn, education takes lion’s share

    The lecturers, who were members of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), AAU, Ekpoma chapter, were relieved of their appointments, following agitation by workers of the institution for the payment of their outstanding salaries and other entitlements owed them by the former administration.

    Okpebholo said his government believed in the principle of natural justice, equity and good conscience.

  • Edo govt to fix Benin-Ekpoma federal road before Christmas

    Edo govt to fix Benin-Ekpoma federal road before Christmas

    Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured Edo residents that contractors are working hard to fix the failed portion of Obadan Junction on Benin-Ekpoma Expressway before Christmas.

    Okpebholo, who inspected the ongoing road project for the third time on Thursday evening, since his inauguration on November 12, 2024, said when fixed, motorists would enjoy travelling during this festive period.

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    He noted that his administration had fully keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, in order to ensure that Edo residents fully enjoy the dividends of democracy, with his government to plead with President Tinubu for a refund of the money spent, after the completion of the federal road.

    Meanwhile, Edo governor has approved the payment of 13th month salary to the state’s workers.

    Okpebholo also approved the policy of automatic employment for First-Class graduates of Edo extraction from any university in Nigeria and abroad into the state’s civil service, to boost the quality of manpower in the system.