Tag: Okpebholo

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has expressed hs administration’s readiness to partner with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to build a 10,000 barrel-per-day condensate refinery in the state.

It was in 2019 that the NNPCL first announced its decision to establish a condensate refinery that to specifically produce Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol.

The corporation said, then, that has completed feasibility studies on the refinery.

Governor Okpebholo, who spoke when he played host to NNPCL’s Executive Vice President for Downstream, Alhaji Mumuni Dagazia, and his management team, said the investment was a reflection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Okpebholo said the refinery would create jobs, reduce poverty, and strengthen the state’s industrial base, even as he assured the NNPC team of his administration’s full support to ensure the success of the project.

He said his administration would provide land, Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), security, and all other necessary logistics to facilitate the project.

“We are delighted to welcome this major investment to Edo State. My administration is committed to creating jobs and reducing poverty, in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is a huge step for Edo, and we are proud to be part of it.

“Security will not be an issue. We are committed to protecting investments and ensuring Edo State remains safe for business. Our political will is fully behind this initiative,” Governor Okpebholo said.

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The refinery is expected to be completed within 24 to 36 months and would be located across Oredo and Orhionmwon Local Government Areas.

It is expected to produce approximately 20 truckloads of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 10 truckloads of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) to serve Edo State and its neighboring regions.

Alhaji Mumuni described the condensate refinery as a sustainable project aimed not only at revenue generation but also at job creation, industrial growth, and the overall development of Edo State.

The Chief Downstream Investment Officer at NNPC, Mr. Ikedichi Dick-Nwoke, said the refinery would position Edo State as a major energy and industrial hub in the South-South region.

He added that the project would boost investor confidence, align with Governor Okpebholo’s industrialization agenda, and significantly expand employment opportunities for Edo residents.

Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo has charged civil and public service leaders in the state to embrace discipline, teamwork and measurable results.

This is contained in a statement signed by Dr Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor on Tuesday in Benin.

The governor said his administration was driven strictly by performance and accountability.

Okpebholo was quoted to have made the call at the opening ceremony of a three-day Orientation and Strategic Leadership Retreat for top government officials at the Udomi Town Hall in Esan Central Local Government Area.

The theme of the retreat is “High-Performing Public Service for Sustainable Development of Edo State”.

Okpebholo said the gathering was not a social event but a serious engagement aimed at strengthening governance in the state.

READ ALSO: Retreat on improving polytechnic education

“We are gathered here today not for a jamboree, but for a purpose.

“This retreat is designed to serve dual purposes; orientation and capacity building for top government officials,” he said.

He explained that the programme was structured to reposition the administration for effective service delivery, strengthen collaboration across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), and deepen understanding of governance processes.

“Good governance is teamwork, and no single appointee or agency can succeed in isolation. We must work as a team and strengthen collaboration across MDAs.

“I want to repeat my warning to you: public office is a call to service and not for profit-making or personal gain. Every naira we spend must deliver value, and every policy must produce measurable results,” the governor said.

According to him, the retreat marks a fresh beginning in how the Edo State Government will be run, with renewed emphasis on discipline, accountability and performance monitoring.

“I charge you to participate actively, think boldly and commit fully to the collective success of this administration. Edo people are watching, and they deserve nothing less than excellence,” he said.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Musa Ikhilor, said the philosophy behind the retreat was that “Edo is building Edo.”

He noted that the transformation of the state must be driven by Edo people themselves.

Ikhilor also delivered a presentation on Project S.H.I.N.E, the official framework and strategic blueprint for Edo State’s transformation under the Okpebholo administration.

In his welcome address, the Head of Service, Dr Anthony Okungbowa, expressed optimism that the retreat would strengthen leadership capacity and improve service delivery across the state.

Participants at the retreat include commissioners, special advisers, permanent secretaries and heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

(NAN)

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has inaugurated the Edo State chapter of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA) with a task to intensify grassroots mobilisation for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

Governor Okpebholo ordered members of the RHA to erect 320 billboards across the 18 local government areas.

Okpebholo said his administration would leave no stone unturned to ensure victory for President Tinubu.

He asked the Ambassadors to liaise with local government Chairmen and take the message of the Renewed Hope to the people.

According to him, “No government can beat Asiwaju’s record in this country. The man has proved himself. We are ready for the election.

“The APC has 30 Governors. Even if we go to sleep, Asiwaju will win. This is a man who was frustrated, and he overcame all obstacles. Is it now that we have petrol and we have money that he will not win?

Read Also: Okpebholo redeploys Chief of Staff

“You must have more than 20 billboards in each local government area. Take the message of renewed hope to the grassroots. Let everyone know about Renewed Hope. We will not leave any stone unturned. We will deliver on our promises.”

Edo State Coordinator of RHA said it was a call to duty and entrusted with a strategic responsibility to serve as bridges between the government, party leadership, and grassroots.

He said the successes of the project at the local level depended largely on their commitment, discipline, and dedication.

“As Renewed Hope Ambassadors, you are expected to work closely with the leadership of our great party to evangelise, explain, and defend the policies, programmes, and achievements of President Tinubu’s administration.

“You must promote harmony, inclusiveness, and effective coordination across all levels of the party within your respective Senatorial District and LGAs.

“Your task also includes mobilising, engaging, and sensitising the people, working hand in hand with our party leaders who are themselves Ambassadors of Hope to ensure that the message of Renewed Hope resonates in every community.”

Edo Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has redeployed his Chief of Staff, Hon Gani Audu, to serve as Commissioner in the Ministry of Oil and Gas.

Okpebholo replaced Audu with the Commissioner for Lands and Housing,

 Hon. Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa.

A statement by Secretary to the Edo State Government, Musa Ikhilor, said the Governor did a minor cabinet reshuffle.

The statement said the minor cabinet reshuffle was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen governance, enhance service delivery, and promote greater efficiency in the administration of state affairs.

Read Also: CRPP urges Okpebholo to halt plans on Edo Airline

It said Commissioner for Oil and Gas Resources, Barr. Vincent Osas Uwadiae, was redeployed to the Ministry of Lands and Housing.

The nomination of Audu as Commissioner, according to the statement, is subject to confirmation by the Edo State House of Assembly.

“This minor cabinet reshuffle takes effect from 30th January, 2026.

“His Excellency expresses confidence that these strategic adjustments will further enhance coordination, policy implementation, and effective governance in Edo State.”

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has asked the National Assembly to carry out a diligent legislative investigation into the nation’s persistent power outage and the collapse of the national grid.

Governor Okpebholo said the country would be the best nation if there were a steady power supply.

The Edo governor spoke in Benin City during an interface with the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee on power sector reform and expenditure.

Represented by his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Governor Okpebholo of Nigeria would only achieve a robust economy if the power sector is fixed.

The Committee Chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Aliyu, explained that the Committee was on a mission across the country to investigate and audit the power sector reforms carried out from 2007 to 2024.

“We are in Edo State in continuation of our investigative activities. We have so far seen two generating companies, the Azura and the Benin Generating Company.

Read Also: Okpebholo presents Edo Air initiative

“Today, we engaged the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), all in a fact-finding mission to establish the truth of what they have submitted before the ad hoc committee a few weeks ago.”

Speaking on the frequent collapse of the national grid between 2024 and 2025, Aliyu said there was a need to conduct a “forensic investigation on the policy itself, the strategies and role played by each stakeholder within the electricity sector, from 2007 to 2024.

“We are also to make physical assessments of some of the issues, since projects are involved, and also, based on the different contributions made by the federal government through the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“We are out to know the truth and see how we can make things right,” he concluded.

Acting Managing Director/CEO BEDC, Hon. (Engr.) Jonathan Lawani said the firm was doing everything to provide outside support for the grid collapse challenges

“We recognise the fact that the grid allocation we are having is not enough, adequate, and sufficient to power every customer within our franchise area.

“So, we have gone outside the grid to support and augment whatever we have. And, we are bringing people back to the grid to enjoy a good power supply.”

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has returned 2,950 plots of land to individuals whose buildings were demolished and land seized at Oke-Oromo Community in Ikpoba-Okha local government area.

Former Governor Godwin Obaseki had demolished the affected buildings for the purpose of establishing the Coral City.

Governor Okpebholo had promised to look into the issue and ensured the victims got justice shortly after he was elected.

The Edo Governor, in fulfilment of his promise, has begun issuing allocation letters to eligible property owners for the return of 2,950 plots to genuine owners.

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Commissioner for Land and Housing Hon.Yakubu Musa, who spoke in Benin City at the weekend, said hopes of the victims of Oke-Oroma Community demolition have been restored.

The Commissioner said relevant documents were verified before issuing allocation letters to eligible property owners marking the commencement of reclaiming back their land.

He said the Ministry earlier authenticated true owners of properties in the community.

According to him, “Based on the approval of Gov Okpebholo to return the land seized by the previous administration at Oke-Oroma to developers, and property owners. We commenced a one week exercise to authenticate true owners of the land and return the same.

“We have commenced giving out the offer letters as we have about 1,550 beneficiaries that will be given letters to cover 2,950 plots of land.

“While distributing offer letters to beneficiaries, surveyors have started working on the land to physically demarcate the plots while bulldozers are already cleaning the plots and by next week plots will be given back to the genuine owners.

“We commended the governor for showing that governance has a human face. Gov Okpebholo has brought joy to the hearts of the people of Oke-Oroma Community who thought they had lost all their investments. He promised during the campaign that he would return the land to genuine owners and that process has already commenced. This exercise has shown that governor Okpebholo truly loves Edo people as he ensured justice is served for the people of the community.”

One of the victims, Adebayo Benjamin Ogenelkheme, thanked Governor Okpebholo for restoring their hope, and keeping the promises made during his campaign to the area.

“I am here at the Ministry of land and Housing regarding our landed property forcefully taken by the previous administration. We are here to go through the process of reclaiming our land. The process is very smooth and orderly despite the large numbers of people here.

“I want to thank the governor who is a promise keeper, he said he will do it and today he has done it, I have received my allocation letter. I have lost hope of getting back my land after the land was taken. I thought all hope was lost but Gov Okpebholo restored that hope.”

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the management of the Waste Management Board to keep the streets of Benin City and other adjoining local government areas clean.

Governor Okpebholo said his “Clean Edo” initiative was to have a cleaner and healthier society.

He said failure for any waste managers to comply with the directive would be met with sanctions.

The Edo governor, who spoke through the Chairman, Edo State Environmental Taskforce, and Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, gave the warning at a meeting with accredited waste managers and other stakeholders in Benin City.

He said his SHINE Agenda was set to impact on the lives of people.

According to him, “We are going to give one week to all the waste managers across the state, most especially, Edo South, to meet up with responsibilities, or we revoke your accreditation at the state and local government levels.

Read Also: Okpebholo ends years of neglect at Oredo Girls Secondary School

“However, we are ready to join you to proffer solutions to raised challenges as we need a cleaner and healthier society.”

Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Barr. Nosa Adams said solid and liquid wastes must not be allowed to litter the streets.

“Air pollution would not be tolerated, and solid waste must be evacuated as quickly as possible, as soon as it is dropped.

“Factories should work out acceptable minimum standards to dispose of liquid wastes, which is a critical challenge communities are presently facing.

“We are taking action against this industrial action, because we don’t want to gamble with the health of our people.”

Chairman, Edo State Waste Management Board (EWMB), Mr. Lucky Enehita-Inegbenehi, said the state was on the path of progress and prosperity.

Contractors handling projects across Edo State have been warned not to cause any delay in projects’ execution.

The contractors were reminded that the state government does not delay payment for jobs and stressed that future contracts should be strictly performance-based.

Governor Monday Okpebholo issued the warning in Benin City at a stakeholders’ meeting with major contractors handling key projects in the state.

The meeting focused on a comprehensive review of project status, progress timelines, quality standards, causes of delays, and contractor accountability.

The Edo Governor said his administration remained committed to quality, speed, and accountability in the execution of projects across the state.

He told the contractors that his administration does not owe them any allegiance but to the people of Edo State.

Governor Okpebholo said effective follow-up and proper execution were critical to achieving value-driven and durable infrastructure.

He said funding has never been an issue, saying his administration has ensured prompt payment of contractors’ certificates.

Governor Okpebholo warned against any attempt to cut corners and vowed that his administration would not tolerate substandard work or unnecessary project re-evaluation.

The governor said, “I’m happy you are here for this brief meeting. One thing is to give a contract, another thing is to follow up, and the third is execution.”

“I have been visiting project sites, and I can see work in progress, but I am not too happy with the pace of some of the projects. Projects that are seven to nine months old should have made more visible progress by now.

Read Also: Okpebholo moves to save Court of Appeal, INEC secretariat in Edo

 “I can say it authoritatively that no contractor’s payment has been delayed. Nobody lobbied us to get paid. So, if we are paying you quickly, you must also work fast and complete projects within the agreed time.

 “I don’t delay payments because I don’t want any form of revaluation. If you come tomorrow to say I should revalue your contract, I will never do it. Since payment is not delayed, you must deliver as agreed.

“The faster and better you perform, the faster we give you new projects. If you are not doing well, you will not get another job. We want projects that will last for Edo people, so that the next governor in 10 or 20 years will focus on other priorities.”

The governor cited recent site visits, including Church Road and Ekenhuan Road in Benin City, where he expressed concern over quality and drainage provisions, insisting that proper drainage systems must be included on both sides of Ekenhuan Road to ensure longevity.

 Mr. Nazilh Nasr of NAFRO Nigeria Limited, handling the Benin Technical Road project, praised Governor Okpebholo for ensuringʻ continuation and has consistently honoured payment obligations.

“I want to thank the Governor for this opportunity and to say the previous government delayed our payment, but since this administration, our payment has always been paid, and you don’t owe us,” he said