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  • Edo APC leaders pass vote of confidence on Okpebholo

    Edo APC leaders pass vote of confidence on Okpebholo

    Leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikpoba-Okha local government area have passed a vote of confidence on the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

    The Ikpoba-Okha APC leaders said Governor Okpebholo’s leadership has steered the state toward progress and prosperity as well as inspired confidence in the hearts of the citizens

    This was contained in a communique issued at the end of Ikpoba-Okha APC leaders meeting held at the residence of a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon Ehiozuwa Agbonyima.

    The communique noted that various initiatives launched under Okpebholo’s administration, such as the Flyover Bridge and other road projects demonstrated the Governor’s commitment to improving the quality of life for all Edo citizens.

    It commended what it termed Okpebholo’s relentless efforts to enhance infrastructure, education, healthcare, and the focus on economic development and job creation.

    The communique said the Edo Governor’s initiatives have fostered a spirit of togetherness and empowerment among the people of Edo State, as well as encouraged active participation in the governance process.

    Read Also: Okpebholo vows to demolish buildings of land grabbers in Edo

    According to the communique, “As you continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come your way, please know that you have our full support. Your leadership and vision for a better Edo State resonate with our aspirations, and we stand behind you in your quest to elevate our state to even greater heights.

    “We, the good people of Ikpoba-Okha APC, hereby pass a vote of confidence on you for your seamless efforts to make Ikpoba-Okha State a better place for all.”

    Addressing the gathering, Hon Agbonyima urged the APC members to be patient with the administration of Okpebholo.

    He cautioned against having a divided party in the state.

    He said, “What is important is working as a team. We can never win any election if we are not working together.

    “Okpebholo is working. He is among the Governors who are working. We have to be patient. Promises were made to the Legacy PDP group. Some of you complained that they are PDP. Do not forget they supported us, and we cannot push them away.

    “We should not start complaining and making derogatory statements at this time. We have other positions that people have complained about.

    Our Governor has said Ikpoba-Okha is the most populated local government. He said he will do all to ensure Ikpoba-Okha benefits the most.”

    Ikpoba-Okha APC Chairman, Hon Sunny Ogbewe, urged the party members to believe in the ability of Okpebholo to deliver good governance.

  • Okpebholo vows to demolish land grabbers’ buildings

    Okpebholo vows to demolish land grabbers’ buildings

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has promised to demolish buildings of land grabbers.

    He particularly mentioned land grabbers and encroachers on the Lot A parcel of land (popularly called Coral City), at the Obagie Acquisition, Benin City.

    Okpebholo, in a statement, by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said this was his final warning to land grabbers and encroachers to desist from selling, building, or buying any land from any speculator in the designated area.

    He said the entire Obagie Acquisition belonged to the state government, adding that plans were underway to return Lots B, C and D of the Obagie Acquisition to their owners/occupants.

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    The governor said return of the affected Lots was part of his promise to regularise properties on government land and return the land to their owners.

    The statement said: “Th is notice serves as a strong and last warning to land grabbers and encroachers on government land in Lot A (Coral City) and others across the state, as dire consequences await such illegal activities.

    “Any building on the designated area (Lot A) will also be demolished, while the encroachers will be prosecuted.”

  • Okpebholo vows to demolish buildings of land grabbers in Edo

    Okpebholo vows to demolish buildings of land grabbers in Edo

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has vowed to demolish all structures erected by land grabbers in the state.

    The governor specifically warned encroachers on the Lot A parcel of land, popularly known as Coral City, located within the Obagie Acquisition area in Benin City.

    In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo described the announcement as a final warning to all land speculators, urging them to stop selling, buying, or building on the designated land.

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    He emphasised that the entire Obagie Acquisition belongs to the Edo State Government but disclosed that plans are underway to return Lots B, C, and D of the acquisition to their rightful owners and occupants.

    Okpebholo explained that the decision to regularize properties and return land to their legitimate owners is part of his administration’s commitment to fairness and accountability in land management.

    According to the statement, “This notice serves as a strong and last warning to land grabbers and encroachers on Government lands in Lot A (Coral City) and others across the State, as dire consequences await such illegal activities. 

    “Any building on the designated area (Lot A) will also be demolished, while the encroachers will be prosecuted.”

  • Tinubu, PDP hail Okpebholo’s road infrastructural revolution

    Tinubu, PDP hail Okpebholo’s road infrastructural revolution

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the infrastructural strides of Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, particularly the ongoing building of the state’s first-ever flyover.

    He described it as a landmark intervention in easing urban traffic and modernising Edo’s transport system.

    The President extolled the governor’s foresight in embarking on the one-kilometre flyover project at Ikpoba Hill in Ikpoba Okha Local Government, noting that its completion would transform vehicular movement and strengthen the urban fabric of Benin City.

    Tinubu praised Okpebholo’s early performance in office, affirming that the governor had set a new standard of governance in Edo.

    The President, represented by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, said the governor’s bold approach to road and bridge construction in the state underscored the All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) progressive agenda.

    “This is a 24-span structure, each span measuring 20 metres, amounting to a one-kilometre bridge. The quality and pace of work are impressive. Edo is witnessing a first, and I believe more of such projects should follow in Benin City to address the heavy traffic,” Umahi said on behalf of the President.

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    He contrasted the efficiency of state-driven projects with some federal contracts, lamenting that contractors often displayed greater discipline when working under governors than when handling federal assignments.

    He pledged to enforce stricter accountability standards at the federal level, to ensure value for money and timely delivery.

    “I commend Governor Okpebholo for insisting on concrete technology. Roads built with reinforced concrete last 50 to 100 years, saving scarce resources. Nigeria cannot continue to spend on recurring reconstruction. We must invest in durability,” Umahi stressed.

    Describing Okpebholo as “a man of courage, destiny and vision,” the President lauded the governor’s interventions on federal road corridors in the state.

    He said such leadership reflected not only political will, but also a deep commitment to the welfare of the people.

    Governor Okpebholo, visibly elated, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his support to Edo State, crediting the President’s encouragement as a key factor behind his administration’s early successes.

    “We are succeeding because of the President’s backing. His DNA of progressive leadership flows in us. I cannot sleep without thinking of what to do for my people. We will continue to embark on projects that directly improve the lives of Edo people,” the governor said.

    He admitted that Edo’s infrastructure had suffered years of neglect, with many roads washed away and institutions weakened. He, however, pledged to rebuild with renewed zeal, assembling teams with the knowledge and dedication to restore Edo’s pride.

    In a rare bipartisan endorsement, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Segun Sowunmi, also commended the governor’s performance, noting that transformative governance transcended party lines.

    “When Edo people are happy, Nigerians are happy. Development must proceed state by state to truly reform the country,” he said.

  • Okpebholo cautions MOWAA against encroachment

    Okpebholo cautions MOWAA against encroachment

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has warned the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) against any encroachment on the land housing the Edo Specialist Hospital (ESH).

    Governor Okpebholo asked the management of MOWAA to adhere strictly to laid-down coordinates.

    Okpebholo, who spoke through his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa, said his administration’s stance on the boundary demarcation remained unshaken.

    He expressed displeasure over MOWAA’s alleged encroachment on ESH land despite earlier directives.

    According to him, “Governor Okpebholo asked me to advise and also warn the MOWAA management to stick to the demarcation lines between the ESH and the MOWAA institution,” the deputy governor said.

    “Few weeks ago, we were here to give demarcation on the boundary between MOWAA and the ESH. Apparently, the MOWAA management decided to encroach on the land given to ESH.

    “We came to let them know that the Edo State Government is firm on it, and we have given them the right coordinates. We have also sealed the part that belongs to the ESH, so MOWAA, at this point, can no longer encroach.

    “This is not a witch hunt. The governor is fair enough to allow MOWAA to continue with whatever we met on the ground. He has not encroached or done anything contrary to the law. Hence, they should also stick to and abide by the law,” he said.

    Chief Medical Director of ESH, Dr. Anthonia Njoku, thanked Governor Okpebholo for protecting the hospital’s expansion interest.

    Managing Director of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency, Mr. Imoisili Igabali, said a temporary perimeter wall has been erected.

  • Okpebholo to convert waste to wealth

    Okpebholo to convert waste to wealth

    Edo State Government said plans have been concluded for effective collection and conversion of wastes to useful purposes, including power generation.

    Commissioner for Water and Energy Resources, Washington Osifo, said this in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government, at an awareness campaign to mark this year’s World Rivers Day celebration with the theme: ‘Clean Rivers, Healthy Communities’.

    Represented by Mr Emma Ofordu, the commissioner advised communities to imbibe the culture of avoiding indiscriminate dumping of wastes in rivers.

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    Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA), Dr. Olufemi Adekanmbi, appealed to residents of Ologbo community and environs in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State to collaborate with the body to preserve water bodies within its catchment areas.

    Adekanmbi appealed to the people to stop harmful human practices that degraded quality of water on the Ossiomo River that flowed through the communities.

    He said the organisation remained committed to the development of the rivers within its catchment area.

    Adekanmbi said the collaboration with the communities was necessary to restore water quality due to several years of abuse that degraded the water quality resulting in low aquatic resources that supported life.

    He appealed to the populace to maintain a clean and safe environmental culture that supported the health of rivers for the benefits of mankind.

    Adekanmbi said the event was to draw global attention to the need for the communities to appreciate the usefulness of rivers in the sustenance of life.

    According to him, “abuses as a result of harmful human activities, such as pollution, over extraction, damming, deforestation and climate change threaten their health and sustainability, thus causing great danger to human health and existence.

    “Rivers are the lifeblood of our planet. They sustain ecosystems, provide water for agricultural and industrial use, support biodiversity, serve as vital sources of drinking water for billions of people worldwide. They also hold cultural, spiritual and recreational significance enriching lives of communities across the globe.”

    Adekanmbi later planted some coconuts and palm fruits along the river bank as a symbolic commitment to preserving water bodies.

  • Okpebholo establishes Edo ecological funding, management commission

    Okpebholo establishes Edo ecological funding, management commission

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved the establishment of the Ecological Funding and Management Commission, with Blessing Agbomhere appointed as chairman.

    According to a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, the commission will provide a legal and institutional framework for sustainable environmental management in Edo State.

    The initiative is aimed at ensuring transparent and accountable resource mobilization while aligning state actions with national and international environmental commitments. It will also promote ecological sustainability, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and environmental justice.

    Other appointees include Felix Ibhade as Executive Director (Projects), Ivie Uwaifo as Executive Director (Administration), and Khadijat Yusuf as Executive Director (Finance).

    “The names of the above-nominated individuals will be forwarded to the Edo State House of Assembly for consideration and confirmation.

    “This decisive step reflects the Government’s commitment to safeguarding the environment for present and future generations while positioning Edo State as a leader in climate action and sustainable development.”

  • Okpebholo appoints ex-Speaker Chairman Lottery Commission

    Okpebholo appoints ex-Speaker Chairman Lottery Commission

    A former Edo Speaker Hon Frank Okiye has been appointed pioneer Chairman of the Edo State Lottery Regulatory Commission.

    The appointment of Okiye was contained in a statement by Secretary to the Edo State Government, Musa Okhilor, following establishment of the Commission.

    Ikhilor said the Commission was conceived as the central regulatory body for all lottery, gaming, and related activities within the State. 

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    He said the Commission was to provide legal and institutional framework for regulating lottery and gaming operations as well as ensure transparency, accountability, and integrity in the conduct of lottery activities.

    The SSG explained that the Commission would safeguard interests of participants as well as generate revenue for the state through well-structured licensing and regulation of gaming operators.

    Other members of the Commission are Dandy Imoukhuede Oserei, Elvis Uadiale, Ndidi Aghimien and Hon. Habibat Yakubu as Secretary.

    Okhilor said the names of the nominees would be forwarded to the Edo State House of Assembly for consideration and confirmation.

  • How Arase aided my electoral victory, by Okpebholo

    How Arase aided my electoral victory, by Okpebholo

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has disclosed how the late former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, aided his electoral victory.

    Speaking during a condolence visit to Arase’s family in Benin City, Okpebholo described the late IGP as a key figure in his rise to the governorship, recalling how Arase stood firmly by him at the early stage of his ambition.

    “When I first decided to pursue the governorship of Edo State, the very first person I went to see was Arase. I came to his house late at night with General Cecil Isekhaigbe, and we talked. He listened to me patiently. At the end of the conversation, he told me he would support my ambition,” the Governor said.

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    He revealed that Arase personally facilitated his first meeting with the Oba of Benin, which he described as a “significant stepping stone” in his success.

    Okpebholo expressed sadness at Arase’s passing, noting that he left too soon but lived a worthy life. He assured the family that his administration would be fully involved in the burial arrangements as a mark of respect.

    In response, the eldest son of the late IGP, Junior Arase, thanked the Governor for his visit and gave comforting words.

  • Okpebholo inspects East-West Road

    Okpebholo inspects East-West Road

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has assured residents that rehabilitation of the Sapele road axis of the East-West road would be completed as scheduled.

    The governor, who spoke while inspecting the state-funded reconstruction of the Sapele Road,

    expressed satisfaction with the progress made.

    He said his administration had resolved to monitor all projects across Benin metropolis and other parts of the state, to ensure quality delivery.

    “With what I have seen today, we are on track. The contractors have promised to deliver by December, and we will support them with timely payments to ensure they meet the deadline.”

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    Governor Okpebholo inspected the 1.5 kilometres of completed surface drains, a one-kilometre underground channel, and a 1.6-kilometre underground canal, designed to mitigate perennial flooding in and around Sapele Road axis.

     Okpebholo inspected other connecting roads around the axis and assured residents that the ongoing Ogheghe Road project, off Sapele Road in Benin City, would be completed by December, in line with the contractor’s commitment.

    Special Adviser on Project Implementation and Monitoring, Mrs. Phoebe U. Williams-Bello, said the supervision exercise was designed to enforce compliance.

    “So far, 1.5 kilometres of surface drains and one kilometre of underground channels have been completed. The contractors are working to schedule, and the project is on course for December completion,” she noted.