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Tag: Monday Okpebholo

  • Two die in Edo community leadership tussle

    Two die in Edo community leadership tussle

    Two persons have been killed over leadership tussle at Iyanomo community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.

    The deceased were Eboh Enomwa and Stephen Imaghodo.

    Governor Monday Okpebholo has, however, launched an investigation to get the killers and prosecute them.

    Okpebholo spoke through the Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers” when the Government House Chief Security Officer (CSO), Chief Superintendent of Police Osaro Roberts, and Principal Security Officer to the Governor, Okoh Saturday, visited the community.

    They said they were in the community to ascertain the true circumstances surrounding the killings.

    Addressing the community elders and youths, Secretary of the Special Security Squad, John Izegaebe, said the governor’s resolve to stamp out cultism, kidnapping, and communal clashes in the state would be accomplished.

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    “Our findings so far point to a leadership tussle between two rival factions in Iyanomo, which degenerated into violence and, ultimately, claimed the lives of two men. This is unacceptable. The governor has directed us to ensure that all those involved in this heinous act are identified, arrested, and prosecuted. No one is above the law.

    “The government condoles with the families of the victims and assures them that justice will be served. At the same time, we are sending a very strong message to community leaders: disputes must be resolved legally, not through violence. Governor Okpebholo has zero tolerance for crime, and anyone who foments unrest in Edo communities will face the full wrath of the law.”

    The residents called on the state government to beef up security in the area to forestall further bloodshed.

  • Activists, Foundation slam Okpebholo for failed promise on women inclusion

    Activists, Foundation slam Okpebholo for failed promise on women inclusion

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, is facing  a backlash from civil society groups after failing to deliver on his campaign pledge to allocate 35 per cent of cabinet positions to women.

    The House of Assembly on August 20 confirmed eight commissioners nominated by the governor, bringing the total to 17. Of the new appointees, only one is a woman, raising the total women in the governor’s 21-member exco to two — less than 10 per cent.

    The exco includes the governor, deputy governor, chief of staff, secretary to the government, and 17 commissioners. According to the Directorate of Cabinet, Political, and Special Services, two commissioner slots remain vacant. But even if both are filled by women, Okpebholo’s administration would still fall far short of the promised 35 per cent.

    At confirmation, Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, showed concern about the gender imbalance, noting only one of eight nominees was female.

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    The AdvoKC Foundation, through its Okpebholometer initiative, criticised the appointments, describing them as a betrayal of trust.

    Programme Lead, Nelson Otabor, said: “This is a clear case of a broken promise and a setback for gender inclusivity in Edo State. Edo women are not asking for token inclusion — they are demanding fair representation. It is disappointing that a pledge, which inspired hope during the campaign, has been abandoned.”

    The foundation, supported by Nigeria Youth Futures Fund, is monitoring Okpebholo’s campaign promises under its Promise Tracker platform. It urged the governor to correct this by ensuring women are represented and by adopting policies that empower women beyond symbolic gestures.

    “Edo women deserve the representation that was promised them,” Otabor said.

    Okpebholo’s 35 per cent women inclusion pledge was a key campaign commitment, raising expectations among women and advocacy bodies. With the appointments, the promise appears unattainable.

  • Okpebholo mourns former IGP Arase

    Okpebholo mourns former IGP Arase

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has described late Solomon Arase as a patriotic Nigerian and an illustrious Edo son whose contributions to the country’s security architecture were immeasurable.

    Arase, a former Inspector-General of Police, died in Abuja in the early hours of Sunday.

    Okpebholo, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said the country lost a great mind, a dedicated public servant, and an exceptional leader.

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    He stated that late Arase’s tenure as the 18th Inspector-General of Police was marked by significant reforms and commitment to professionalism and community policing. 

    According to the statement, “Dr. Arase was a man of integrity and honor who served our nation with distinction, rising to the pinnacle of his career through sheer hard work and dedication.

    “His legacy of service will be remembered for generations. He was a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration to many young police officers and aspiring leaders.

    “While we mourn his passing, we take solace in the fact that he lived a life of purpose, impacting positively on all who came in contact with him.”

  • Okpebholo, blessings to Edo Sports, says Sabina Chikere

    Okpebholo, blessings to Edo Sports, says Sabina Chikere

    The Executive Director, Sports Development and Operations, Edo State Sports Commission, Mrs. Sabina Chikere,  has described the Edo State Governor  Monday Okpebholo, as a beacon of hope for sports .

    She  stated that the ongoing  transformation in Edo State and Nigeria in the area of Sports, could not have been possible without the undivided and unwavering support of the State Governor.

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     “The Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, a very passionate lover of sports in Edo State, has transformed the sporting scene in the state, His love for sports transcends all areas of Sports, football, athletics, basketball, Scrabble, the list is endless,” she said.

    She added that his passion and zeal towards sports development in the Heartbeat of the Nation is something worth applauding and celebrating.

    “This is a man, who has made sure that sports in the state have never lacked anything, since his assumption into office, sports in the state are at an all-time peak, his life is worth celebrating, this is his special day, and we want to say thank you, so very much,” she explained in statement celebrating the Governor’s birthday, emphasising that every day of his life brings blessings to sports in the State.

    She called on other states of the federation to imitate the example of Edo State’s number one citizen, stressing that doing so will take sports in Nigeria to a higher pedestal.

  • Tinubu, APC, Oborevwori, Idahosa, others celebrate Okpebholo at 55

    Tinubu, APC, Oborevwori, Idahosa, others celebrate Okpebholo at 55

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm felicitations to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on the occasion of his 55th birthday, praising his steadfast commitment to democracy and the welfare of his people.

    In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Governor Okpebholo as a dedicated leader whose administration demonstrates a deep sense of responsibility and an uncommon bond with the people at the grassroots.

    “President Tinubu extols Governor Okpebholo’s devotion to good governance and the welfare of his people, especially at the grassroots, noting that his leadership reflects a strong sense of responsibility and an uncommon bond with the people of Edo State.

    “The President acknowledges the Governor’s contributions to fostering peace, unity, and sustainable development in the state and urges him to sustain the tempo,” the statement said.

    The All Progressives Congress in Edo State, House of Representatives-elect, Barr. Omosede Igbinedion and Hon Razaq Bello-Osagie have felicitated with Governor Monday Okpebholo on his 55th birthday celebration.

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, also congratulated the governor, describing him as a visionary leader committed to the development of his people.

    In a goodwill message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori lauded Okpebholo’s dedication to the SHINE Agenda, which focuses on Security, Health, Infrastructure, Nutrition, and Education, noting that it demonstrates his people-oriented leadership style.

    The Delta Governor said turning 55 is a milestone worth celebrating, particularly for a man who has dedicated much of his life to public service and the uplift of his people.

    He praised Okpebholo for initiating reforms and projects that seek to improve the welfare of Edo people, adding that the SHINE Agenda aligns with modern governance ideals that prioritize human capital and infrastructural development.

    Oborevwori said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I warmly congratulate my brother Governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on the joyous occasion of his 55th birth anniversary.

    “Your SHINE Agenda is an inspiring roadmap that underscores your commitment to the holistic progress of Edo State through enhanced security, better healthcare, improved infrastructure, adequate nutrition, and quality education.”

    He wished Okpebholo many more years of good health, wisdom, and strength to continue to deliver purposeful leadership to the people of Edo State and contribute to national development.

    In his birthday message to his boss, Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon Dennis Idahosa, described Governor Okpebholo as a passionate leader whose efforts in infrastructural development have been valuable to the state’s growth.

    Hon Idahosa said he has learnt valuable lessons from Okpebholo’s style of leadership.

    In the birthday message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, Hon Idahosa said the governor remained his “Big Brother” whom he has learned a valuable lesson from since they started piloting affairs of the state on November 12, 2024.

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    “Sir, in just nine months under your guidance, our State has continued to record notable and historic achievements in governance, infrastructure, and human capital development, and we remain grateful for your vision and exemplary leadership.

    “Beyond governance, you embody humility, wisdom, courage, and values that inspire not just me as your deputy but countless others who look up to your exemplary stewardship,” he stated.

    The State Chairman of the Edo APC, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, in a birthday message, said Governor Okpebholo has turned around the fortunes of the state.

    Tenebe said Okpebholo took governance back to the people with his people centred programmes.

    He said the governor’s “SHINE agenda is resonating across the three senatorial districts, eighteen local government areas and the 192 wards of the state.”

    Igbinedion, on her part, said Okpebholo’s dedication to the growth and prosperity of Edo State was both inspiring and commendable.

    “Your commitment to transforming Edo State into a model of progress and stability is evident in the growing confidence of the people and the undeniable impact of your policies.

    “As a proud daughter of Edo State, I am encouraged by your leadership and honored to celebrate you today.”

    Acting Vice-Chancellor of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Prof. Sunday Olowo Samuel, said Okpebholo’s favorable disposition towards the university was unparalleled.

    A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon Razaq Bello-Osagie, said Edo people has begun witnessing real governance under Okpebholo.

  • Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo @ 55

    Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo @ 55

    By Fred Itua

    There are lives that tell stories, and there are lives that themselves become stories; epic, inspiring, and immortal in their resonance. The life of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State, belongs in the latter category. Today, as he marks his 55th birthday, we do not merely count years; we celebrate a destiny shaped by grit, defined by resilience, adorned by achievement, and sanctified by grace.

    At 55, Governor Okpebholo stands as a trailblazer, redefining governance in Edo State and reshaping the political narrative of the South-South geo-political zone. His journey has not been one of privilege or predestination. Born into modest circumstances in the rural embrace of Udomi, in Edo State, with no golden spoons or silver ladders, his story began in the hard soil of disadvantage. Yet, like the seed that pushes through stone to find the sun, he rose. And in rising, he has given millions the courage to believe that no circumstance is final and that no beginning, however humble, can truncate a destiny anchored in faith, hard work, and unyielding determination.

    It is this life journey from grass to prominence, from obscurity to eminence, that makes the man we celebrate today not only a leader of men but also a symbol of possibility to every Nigerian child. His story whispers hope to the boy in a village classroom with no shoes on his feet. It shouts encouragement to the young girl hawking under the sun, praying for a better tomorrow. It reminds them, and all of us, that with resilience and courage, coupled with faith in the God who raises the humble, the heights of power, success, and impact are never beyond reach.

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    Governor Okpebholo’s rise is not just personal, it is profoundly political. In an era where cynicism too often overshadows trust in leadership, he has become the face of a new kind of politics: clean, compassionate, credible. He has infused governance with integrity, stripped politics of its needless arrogance, and returned the focus of leadership to where it belongs; the people.

    His SHINE Agenda is not just a political blueprint; it is a philosophy, a covenant of hope. Security, Human Capital Development, Infrastructure, New Economy, and Education for All, each pillar echoes his determination to lift Edo from the shadows of unfulfilled promises into the daylight of renewal.

    To watch his governance style is to witness a new vocabulary of leadership at work. He does not speak to impress; he speaks to inspire. He does not promise to deceive; he promises to deliver, and he delivers. Markets that languished for a decade are being rebuilt. Communities that thirsted for water are now refreshed. Hospitals that were neglected are being revived. Schools that crumbled are finding new life. Across Edo, you can trace his hand not just in projects, but in the smiles of ordinary citizens whose lives are quietly being transformed.

    But to reduce Okpebholo to his policies would be to miss the soul of the man. He is not only a Governor; he is a son of Edo, a man of the people, accessible, approachable, and astonishingly humble for the height he has attained. In his simplicity lies his strength. In his humility lies his power. In his humanity lies his greatness. Like the biblical Moses, his life is proof that God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

    Indeed, Monday Okpebholo at 55 is a metaphor of grace. His life says to Nigeria: “you can begin from nowhere and still end up everywhere that matters. You can rise from a hut and still sit in the palace of leadership. You can walk barefoot as a child and still stand booted on the stage of history. You can be disadvantaged and still emerge distinguished”. His life is, in essence, the gospel of possibility preached not with words, but with living proof.

    For Edo, his leadership marks the dawn of a new season. For the South-South, his politics signals a new direction. For Nigeria, his journey is an enduring lesson: that leadership is not about where you start but about what you choose to become. At a time when the nation hungers for authentic models, Monday Okpebholo stands tall as a north star of credibility, a lighthouse of hope, a statesman in the making.

    As he turns 55, we do not just felicitate; we reflect. We reflect on how one man’s story can ignite the dreams of a generation. We reflect on how resilience, discipline, and faith can become the architecture of destiny. And we reflect on the truth that in celebrating Okpebholo, we are celebrating not only a Governor but a living testimony that the Nigerian dream, though battered, still breathes, and still shines.

    Happy Birthday, Governor Monday Okpebholo. May your years ahead be brighter than the path behind you, may your vision continue to illuminate Edo, and may your life remain an eternal reminder that with God, with grit, and with grace, all things are possible.

    • Fred Itua is the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State

  • Okpebholo completes overhaul of Ugboha waters scheme after 20 years

    Okpebholo completes overhaul of Ugboha waters scheme after 20 years

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has completed a comprehensive overhaul of the Ugboha Water Supply Scheme in Edo Central.

    The water scheme was first awarded in 2005 but the people of Ugbola never had clean water.

    Governor Okpebholo’s intervention restored full water reticulation to Ugboha, parts of Uromi and Irrua.

    Speaking during an inspection of the project, Managing Director of the Edo State Urban Water Corporation, Mr. Uyi Ekhosuehi, said the host community now enjoyed uninterrupted access to safe, treated water for the first time since the scheme’s establishment in 2005.

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    Ekhosuehi explained that the use of substandard materials by a previous contractor crippled the scheme.

    He said the many years of neglect made residents of Ugboha not to benefit from the multimillion-naira investment.

    Ekhosuehi stated that the Corporation has commenced extension works to cover other parts of Uromi and Uwesan.

    “Governor Okpebholo insisted that this project would not be abandoned. He approved a complete turnaround maintenance, which has delivered a new fully automated filtration plant, high-pressure pumping systems, and durable ductile industrial pipes capable of carrying primary water for reticulation.

    “All necessary pipes and fittings have been delivered, with full connection to be completed in the coming weeks.

    “Our target is clear: within the next five to six years, Governor Okpebholo wants to end the water challenge across Edo State,” he affirmed. “We are also working on restoring water to Agbede in Edo North and Sakponba in Edo South. This administration is determined to ensure that every Edo citizen, urban or rural, has access to safe, affordable water.”

  • By-election results proved no mandate was stolen- Okpebholo 

    By-election results proved no mandate was stolen- Okpebholo 

    Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo has said that last Saturday’s by-election results showed that he won last year’s governorship election.

    Okpebholo said the results represented a reflection of the love of Edo people for the All Progressives Congress.

    The Edo Governor spoke when he received the House of Representatives member-elect for Ovia Federal Constituency, Hon. Gabriella Omosede Igbinedion, who was led by her predecessor and Edo Deputy Governor, Hon. Dannis Idahosa on a thank you visit.

    He said the results showed the people freely voted for the APC and that no mandate was stolen.

    According to him: “This by-election results show that Edo people have spoken. They cried that we stole their mandate. I waited for this election to really know if we actually stole their mandate. 

    “See the results that came from Edo Central by-election. They show that their mandate was never stolen at all as APC won 51 wards out of 51 wards. This shows that the people gave their mandate to APC. No mandate was stolen.

    “The candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the past election, chairman of past election along side the candidates in this present election all lost their wards and units. This shows that the people never voted for them at all. 

    “This by-election is a reflection that Edo is APC and APC won the election as the election results show that PDP lost.

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    “Edo is APC, and we love President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and our promises of securing 2.5 million votes is a task that must be accomplished. We would not sleep but continue to work hard to achieve our goals.”

    Hon. Idahosa explained that he came to present his successor to the Governor.

    According to him: “There was a by-election at the Ovia Federal Constituency on Saturday, the 16th of August 2025, and a winner has emerged, and she will now be representing the people of Ovia.

    “She is my successor, and I am here to present her to you today and also thank you for showing purposeful leadership, and the people of Ovia Federal Constituency have asked me to thank you.”

    Barr. Igbinedion assured the Governor that she would represent the people well.

    She said: “The people should expect that I would hit the ground running. I am not new to the National Assembly and will bring my experience to bear as I embark on projects that will benefit my people.

    “The vote we got in Ovia Federal Constituency was a combination of so many factors but one thing I must say is that, the Ovia people recognized the hard work you have put in not to the development of Ovia Federal Constitucy alone but to the State as a whole where the entire State is feeling your impact.”

  • Bishop Dunia urges Okpebholo to secure release of abducted seminarians

    Bishop Dunia urges Okpebholo to secure release of abducted seminarians

    Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Gabriel Dunia, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Monday Okpebholo and security agencies to help release two seminarians of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode, Etsako East local government area.

    The two seminarians were kidnapped 35 days ago and have remained in the den of the kidnappers.

    On Wednesday, the kidnappers released videos showing the two minors holding a human skull and begging the public to raise funds for their release.

    Bishop Dunia who spoke through the Director of Communication of the Diocese, Fr. Peter Egielewa, said the diocese has been traumatised since the video of the seminarians surfaced online.

    Dunia said he personally felt hurt and disturbed that the seminarians were living with armed strangers for 35 days.

    He said it was difficult for him to sleep these days because of the incident.

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    “We have been praying since their kidnap and again I call on people everywhere to please pray with us.

    “Three students were actually kidnapped on the day of the incident after killing the security personnel on duty but the third one was released a few days after because he was injured.

    “The Diocese of Auchi has been in contact with the kidnappers urging them to release the remaining two seminarians.

    “The Bishop of the Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia calls on the president of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo and all security agencies in the country to do the needful and help rescue our children from the hands of the kidnappers.

    “Coincidentally, since the minor seminary attack, there have been several kidnap cases in Edo North in particular and Edo State. It appears kidnappers in Nigeria have suddenly found a convenient place of operation in Edo North and Edo state.

    “Our people feel frustrated and helpless. We are deeply worried about how this abnormality has become normal and it appears our people are just left on their own to continue to live in an environment of perpetual fear and terror. It shouldn’t be. We beg that Edo North be secured so that our people can once again live in peace and safety.”

    The Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary was established by the Catholic Bishop of Auchi in 2006 for the training of future priests. Over 500 students have so far successfully graduated from the church institution.

  • Okpebholo appoints Prof. Olawale Edo Varsity VC

    Okpebholo appoints Prof. Olawale Edo Varsity VC

    Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo has appointed Prof. Victor Adetimirin Olawale as Vice Chancellor of Edo University, Iyamho.

    A statement by Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Musa Ikhilor, said the appointment was with immediate effect.

    Prof. Olawale, a Professor of Agronomy, obtained his B.Sc. in Agriculture from the University of Ibadan, and subsequently earned his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Genetics from the same institution.

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    He has served in various capacities within Nigeria’s university system, including Head of Department, Dean of Faculty, and Director of Academic Planning, contributing significantly to curriculum development, research innovations, and institutional reforms. Prof. Olawale is widely published in reputable local and international journals and has supervised numerous postgraduate students to successful completion.