Tag: Monday Okpebholo

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has led a delegation of European diplomats to see the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, over the controversy surrounding the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA).

Some of the diplomats were inside MOWAA during its Sunday’s preview event when suspected thugs invaded the place and chased them away.

Addressing the diplomats at his palace, Oba Ewuare II urged the delegation to cooperate with the Senator Adams Oshiomhole-headed committee to look into MOWAA.

He accused former Governor Godwin Obaseki of attempting to “mortgage” the rights of Benin people over their ancestral artifacts.

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He said Obaseki became angry with him after he refused to sign the documents.

The monarch said: “It is like history wanting to repeat itself. My forefathers suffered during the British invasion of 1897, and it is not fair that this is happening again. The documents they brought for me to sign would have taken away our rights to these artifacts, and I refused.”

He insisted that funds were raised for the building of the Benin Royal Museum.

Speaking to reporters after the visit, Governor Okpebholo said he was shocked that he was not informed about the visit of foreign envoys to the state for activities related to MOWAA.

He said it was another example of “lack of transparency” that had surrounded the MOWAA project since its inception.

“We are here with the European and German Ambassadors, and their colleagues from the Netherlands and Belgium, to see His Royal Majesty.

They have spoken about areas of collaboration and also about what happened yesterday (Sunday). Honestly, I wasn’t aware such a gathering was going to take place; that’s the truth. However, we have spoken with the Oba and gotten his side of the story.

“The committee I set up will look into the matter comprehensively and make appropriate recommendations. There will be fairness. 

“The controversy surrounding MOWAA stems from lack of openness by the previous government. It is curious how the project evolved from Benin Royal Museum to Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA), and now to Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), without clarity or consultation with our revered traditional institution.”

Okpebholo noted that the state government was never briefed on the project’s financials, ownership structure, or operational details, stressing that even the Oba of Benin had personally expressed concern about its handling.

“The previous administration never briefed me about MOWAA or handed over any documentation concerning the project. I know nothing about its transactions or agreements,” he said.

He condemned the demolition of the historic Central Hospital in Benin City to make way for MOWAA, noting: “Why destroy a functioning hospital to build a museum? We are proud of our heritage, but development must be responsible and people-centred.”

EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot said the mission discussed the MOWAA project and the unfortunate incident that occurred.

He said they exchanged views in a spirit of dialogue and partnership on how they intended to move forward.

Mignot said the European Union as an institution had no direct investment in MOWAA, ‘’but some EU member-states, including Germany, are partners in the initiative.’’

German Ambassador Dr. Annett Günther hailed Governor Okpebholo and the Oba of Benin for their hospitality, reaffirming Germany’s longstanding partnership with Edo State in migration management, youth empowerment and cultural preservation.

She said: “I am honoured to have paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, and His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State.

“During my visit, I will attend the graduation of 450 youths from IT training programmes and visit several project sites. Our cooperation extends beyond development. It includes support for cultural heritage, including the return of over 1,200 Benin bronzes to Nigeria.

“On MOWAA, which is a completely different matter, we are very proud to be part and sponsor of this very unique museum. Not only museum, a campus, a centre of cherishing Nigeria and Benin heritage and culture in particular.

“To make this heritage part of our cooperation and available to the people of Benin City, Nigeria, including many foreign visitors.

“This will be an enormous attraction for tourism, for industry, for investors and for researchers, for architects to come together. But this, of course, this wonderful place of cherishing heritage and culture can only exist and flourish if there is a peaceful environment.

“This is why we regret the incident of yesterday (Sunday), but we are looking forward to a peaceful future of MOWAA and to a normal operation of MOWAA.”

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold economic reforms, visionary policies and development programmes.

‎He hailed the President’s critical role in transforming governance and driving national growth.

‎Speaking at the City Boy Movement programme, an empowerment initiative benefiting over 200 Edo youths, Okpebholo highlighted Federal Government’s support as key to enabling ongoing infrastructure projects in Edo State, including the building of flyovers.

‎A statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, quoted the governor as saying: “These projects are made possible through the support of President Tinubu.

“I urge Edo people to continue supporting the President, whose reforms, though tough, are essential for Nigeria’s progress.”

‎Okpebholo underscored his administration’s commitment to genuine development across Edo’s three senatorial districts.

‎He pointed out a contrast with the previous government’s claims regarding education transformation.

‎“Our findings show otherwise. We are changing the narrative with reforms that have increased school enrolment and improved facilities and learning processes, so Edo children can compete globally.”

‎Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa called on Edo youths to rally behind the City Boy Movement to ensure President Tinubu secures the highest votes in the Southsouth in the 2027 election.

‎“Edo State belongs to President Tinubu because he is a reliable and decisive leader.

‎”With the governor’s performance, opposition in Edo State will soon become history.”

‎Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, lauded Okpebholo’s development efforts, describing the event as a celebration of peace and progress in the state.

‎Highlighting the role of youth empowerment in government agenda, Olawande said: “Nigeria’s youths are its greatest asset. President Tinubu’s administration is committed to skill development platforms that enable young people to build better future for themselves and the nation.”

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‎Commissioner for Education and City Boy Movement Director, Paddy Iyamu, praised President Tinubu for launching the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), ensuring no Edo child was denied education due to financial hardship.

‎He also showcased Okpebholo’s achievements in just one year, including the building of 68 schools, sponsoring five students for studies in China, distributing N1billion in bursaries, and launching empowerment initiatives targeting market women and small businesses.

‎Iyamu said: “Governor Okpebholo has delivered impressive results in infrastructure, education and job creation all within a short period.”

‎City Boy Movement Director-General, Francis Oluwatosin, hailed the governor’s visionary and discreet leadership, noting strides in education, health care, security and infrastructure across Edo State.

‎He also lauded President Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms as “bold steps toward national restructuring and sustainable growth.”

‎Oluwatosin affirmed the Movement’s political influence, saying: “The City Boy Movement is the largest socio-political youth platform in Africa, mobilising 10 million votes for President Tinubu in 2027 from the 36 states of the federation.”

‎The programme was attended by government officials, youth leaders and stakeholders committed to advancing Edo State through strategic partnerships with the Federal Government and affirming youth participation in political and economic development.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has expressed reservations over the seven days warning strike action declared by the Edo State Council of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN).

Governor Okpebholo said the strike action was ill-timed, unpatriotic, and wholly unjustified.

He said the warning strike began at a time when meaningful negotiations between the Union and the government were ongoing.

The governor who spoke in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said leadership of the Union has been in constant engagement with his administration on their demands.

He said issues raised by the Union were largely inherited from the past administration of Godwin Obaseki.

Governor Okpebholo said his administration has shown genuine commitment to addressing these inherited concerns in a phased, transparent, and responsible manner.

Okpebholo noted that one of the demands of the Union was the renovation of the Doctors’ Quarters, which was already receiving the attention of the state government, alongside other welfare-related matters.

According to him, “It is therefore shocking and disappointing that the leadership of the union would hastily declare a strike, claiming government insensitivity, when, in fact, the present administration has demonstrated open-mindedness, good faith, and a proactive resolve to improve the health sector.

“This abrupt decision by the Union leadership does not only undermine ongoing dialogue but also exposes a lack of sincerity and respect for the negotiation process.

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“The Edo state government finds no merit in the call for this strike. The action appears driven by ulterior motives and extra financial demands known only to a few individuals in the Union’s leadership, to the detriment of the general membership.

“Failure to yield to these unlawful financial demands from officials of the state government by a few greedy members of the leadership of the Union, birt less Edo citizens—especially those in need of urgent medical attention—at grave risk.

“Such actions amount to a betrayal of the noble principles and ethics of the medical profession, particularly the Hippocratic Oath, which places the preservation of human life above all else. No responsible government can fold its arms while a few individuals hold the lives of its citizens hostage for personal gratification.

“The Edo state government remains committed to dialogue and partnership with all stakeholders in the health sector to ensure industrial harmony and better service delivery to the people. However, it will not condone any act that jeopardizes the health and wellbeing of its citizens under any guise.”

The Edo State Executive Council has approved a supplementary budget of N125 billion for the 2025 fiscal year, representing 18 percent of the N675.2 billion budget earlier signed into law.

Governor Monday Okpebholo presided over the emergency executive meeting, where the supplementary spending plan was adopted.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, Commissioner for Finance Emmanuel Okoebor said the supplementary budget includes about N12 billion (5 percent) for recurrent expenditure and N113 billion (25 percent) for capital expenditure.

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He noted that the adjustment reflects the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, with the revised 2025 budget now allocating 70 percent to capital projects.

According to him, “It clearly shows that the government is concerned about infrastructural development, making Edo people happy. We have done about 254KM of road across the state, and many more construction works are ongoing.

“Recurrent expenditure has about a 5 percent increment as the increase in minimum wage necessitated that increment, including a lot of employment that the present administration did in the hospital management board for over 1000, and it needs to be captured.

“The budget has been increased by N125 billion, which is about 18 percent, and capital expenditure by about 25 percent, from N450 billion to N563 billion.”

Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paul Ohombamu, said the supplementary budget would be forwarded to the Edo State House of Assembly for legislative consideration and passage.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, has signed an agreement with the European African Chamber of Commerce and Industries (EuroAfrica CCI) for the injection of $250 million into Edo State economy.

The investment was planned for over a period of three to five years.

EuroAfrica CCI is a coalition of chambers of commerce spanning 98 countries across Europe and Africa.

Governor Okpebholo signed the agreement during the 2025 Edo State Global Investment Summit, which held in Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom.

A statement by Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said the agreement established a framework for strategic investment into key sectors including agriculture and agro-processing, mining and solid minerals, technical education and skills training, renewable energy, and green infrastructure.

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The statement said Governor Okpebholo, through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling business environment through streamlined registration processes, transparent land administration and tax incentives.

Governor Okpebholo emphasised that his administration would uphold transparency, accountability, and strong institutional support to ensure that these investments were translated into jobs, opportunities, and sustainable development for Edo people.

EuroAfrica CCI, represented by its Director General, Amb. Dr. Kingsley Obasohan, pledged to work in line with Edo State’s and Nigeria’s local content policies to guarantee that the investments directly empowered Edo citizens by building capacity, creating employment, and expanding industrial value chains.

Itua further said: “This partnership reaffirms Monday Okpebholo administration’s resolve to position Edo State as a premier destination for investment in Nigeria, ensuring that inclusive economic growth and human capital development remain at the heart of governance.

“The agreement will run for an initial period of five years, with regular joint review mechanisms to monitor progress and ensure mutual accountability.”

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has released N1.2bn as the first tranche of payment to staff of the Colleges of Education in Ekiadolor and Igueben, who were disengaged during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The payment of the first tranche is part of a total of ₦4.6 billion earmarked for the settlement of entitlement benefits of the affected staff.

Those to benefit, according to Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo, Fred Itua, are 682 pensioners from the College of Education, Ekiadolor, and 32 pensioners from the College of Education, Igueben.

Itua said the first tranche has been disbursed to both the disengaged staff and retirees of the two Colleges, in strict adherence to the provisions of the Pension Act of Nigeria.

He said Governor Okpebholo also approved the release of ₦292 million as the second tranche of pension entitlements to disengaged staff of the Colleges of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi, and Agenebode.

According to him, “The payment is scheduled to be effected on or before Wednesday this week.

“With this intervention, the State Government has so far released a total of ₦1.4 billion to the four Colleges of Education, bringing relief to hundreds of families and reaffirming its resolve to prioritize the welfare of citizens who have dedicated their years of service to the growth of Edo State.

“This bold action by the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration is a continuation of the Government’s reform drive to reposition the education sector, while ensuring that those who were impacted by earlier sackings are not left behind.

“It is also a reflection of the Governor’s vision of a just, fair, and prosperous Edo State, where equity and compassion are guiding principles of governance.”

Governor Monday Okpebholo has deployed Edo Special Squad to Auchi, headquarters of Estako West local government area, after violent cult clash claimed the lives of two persons.

The cult clash began during the signing out of graduates of Federal Polytechnic, Auchi.

One of the students that signed out was said to be a cult leader.

Sources said one of the victim identified as Jessy was killed inside his shop few minutes after he signed out.

He was shot dead by two persons who arrived his shop on a motorcycle.

Another victim was said to have been killed at Aviele area.

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One of the suspected cultists identified as Wealth was arrested by soldiers at a check point while attempting to flee Auchi.

Meanwhile, the Edo Special Squad has commenced demolition of buildings in Auchi allegedly used for cultism activities.

One of the buildings is located at Egbeadokhan street in Auchi.

Ondo Police Command, Moses Yamu, said one person was killed in the clash.

He said some suspects have been arrested.