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Tag: Okpebholo

  • Okpebholo ends years of neglect at Oredo Girls Secondary School

    Okpebholo ends years of neglect at Oredo Girls Secondary School

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, ended years of neglect at the Oredo Girls Secondary School, Benin City.

    The governor commissioned the reconstruction of blocks of classrooms in the school, as well as the abandoned sections of the school.

    Okpebholo, who spoke after commissioning the reconstructed facility, said the visible improvement in staffing and infrastructure at the school was an indication that his administration’s intervention in the education sector was yielding results.

    He recalled that he saw only three teachers in the school when he first visited, but was happy to see over 20 teachers present in the school.

    Governor Okpebholo further assured the school management of his commitment to addressing outstanding challenges, particularly power supply.

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

    He said, “One thing that gives me joy today is the number of teachers I am seeing in this school. I remember that sometime ago, when I visited, I saw just two or three teachers here. Today, I am seeing over 20 teachers, and that shows that we are in the right direction.

     “Just like I have said, we are going to fix the light problem in this school. We will do our best to see that we fix this place for the betterment of our children.”

    Edo Commissioner for Education, Hon. Paddy Iyamu, said the project was an example of “practical governance in action.”

    He said the school had become an eyesore and a hotspot for undesirable activities.

    Iyamu said, “When His Excellency came into office, this place was like an eyesore of nefarious activities. But the governor gave a clear instruction, declaring a state of emergency in schools.

    “The clear instruction was that every child in Edo State must go to school in a conducive environment. What you are seeing today is a testament to a governor who is committed and passionate about education.”

  • Why Okpebholo conducts unscheduled project inspections, by media aide

    Why Okpebholo conducts unscheduled project inspections, by media aide

    Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, Patrick Ebojele, has outlined the rationale behind the governor’s frequent unscheduled inspection visits to project sites across the state.

    According to Ebojele, the visits form part of a deliberate strategy to keep contractors accountable and ensure that projects are executed on schedule and in line with approved specifications.

    He made the clarification in a statement issued in Benin City following the governor’s tour of key projects in Esan West, Esan Central and Esan North East Local Government Areas.

    Projects inspected included the Ekpoma Modern Market, the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Shopping Complex, the Ukhun–Eguare Road and the Irrua–Illeh–Ukhun Road.

    Ebojele said the jubilation, cheers and warm reception from residents during the visits reflected the public’s endorsement of the administration’s practical approach to governance. 

    He added that community leaders also commended the governor for extending tangible development to the grassroots.

    He said, “One of the major projects inspected was the Ekpoma Modern Market in Esan West, where construction has intensified, with contractors, workers and heavy equipment actively on site.

    “Governor Okpebholo also inspected the rebuilding of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Shopping Complex in Ekpoma. The complex, which was destroyed by fire during a protest, is now under reconstruction, with contractors already working on over 20 burnt shops.

    In Esan Central, Governor Okpebholo and his entourage visited the Irrua–Illeh–Ukhun Road to assess the quality and specifications of work, which has reportedly reached an advanced stage.

    “The roads across the senatorial district are described as critical to economic development, as they will link several communities, ease transportation of farm produce and open up rural areas for trade, investment and growth.

    “The scale of ongoing construction reflects the Okpebholo administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, improved socio-economic activities and increased revenue generation for the state.”

  • Okpebholo moves to save Court of Appeal, INEC secretariat in Edo

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

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has commenced remediation work at Ikpoba Hill, Ikpoba-Okha local government area, aimed at addressing persistent flooding at the Court of Appeal and the Edo State INEC Headquarters.

    The Court of Appeal has been abandoned while staff of INEC always wade through flood to get to their office whenever it rained but area is now wearing a new look as construction work progressed steadily.

    Governor Monday Okpebholo, who inspected the erosion control project, said the underground drainage system under construction was designed to channel floodwaters from Obaseki Street and surrounding areas directly into the Ikpoba River.

    The site engineer, Mr Israel Ebhodaghe, said the area remained highly erosion-prone due to blocked and inadequate drainage infrastructure.

    According to him, “The existing underground drain was blocked and responsible for the erosion. We are now constructing a new underground drainage system, supported by smaller line drains that will channel water directly into the Ikpoba River.

    “The drain spans about two kilometres and is critical to protecting all houses within the catchment area”.

    Meanwhile, property owners in the area said they have battling flooding and erosion for over 20 years.

    A septuagenarian, Mrs Mercy Omoruyi said the Okpebholo-led administration came to their rescue.

    “We have been facing this gully erosion for over 20 years. Successive governments abandoned us in this condition, but Governor Monday Okpebholo came to our rescue in less than two months after visiting this area.

    “This place used to be a refuse dump, and we faced serious health challenges. Today, those problems are becoming a thing of the past. The governor’s intervention has saved us and our properties. I pray God gives him strength to complete this project for our benefit,” she said.

    Mr Kelvin Malagu, who has lived in the area since 1994, described the intervention as unprecedented.

    “Several governments made promises, but this is the first time we are seeing real action. Many landlords who abandoned their properties due to the gully are now returning. We finally feel we have a government that truly cares about the people.

    “Whenever it rained, we feared our houses would be swept away. Many people relocated, but today we feel safe again. We are happy with the pace of work and grateful to Governor Okpebholo for bringing development to Obaseki Street,” he said.

  • Obaseki’s kinsmen hail Okpebholo on road construction

    Obaseki’s kinsmen hail Okpebholo on road construction

    Kinsmen of the former Governor Godwin Obaseki have described as remarkable the development strides of Governor Monday Okpebholo for fulfilling his promise to construct the 14 kilometres Eguaholor-Iguomon-Uvbenisi-Oza Road.

    They said the road which linked Uhunmwode and Orhionmwon local government areas was neglected by their son.

    The former Edo governor’s kinsmen spoke when Governor Okpebholo inspected the road project which connected several agrarian communities.

    Mrs. Oyenmwen Igbinedion said they were happy that they could now take their farm produce to the market.

    She said, “Okpebholo has rescued us from darkness and it shows that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a party to be trusted and this has shown that Governor Okpebholo’s administration is delivering practical governance to Edo people.”

    The counsellor representing Isi North in Uhunmwode local government area, Hon. Friday Agbonze, said the people suffered a lot due to the abandoned road.

    He said the construction has helped to boost economic resources of the people of the area.

    Read Also: Atiku’s son’s defection to our party, political earthquake, Lagos APC

    “Before now, we made several attempts to reach the former governor, Obaseki, who is from this community and he did nothing to help us. Thank God in just one year, governor Okpebholo has brought roads to us and opened up our community. We are so very happy.”

    Speaking to journalists, Governor Okpebholo said, “This is Obaseki’s community, you can see the excitement on the faces of the people, how they have all come out to welcome us. Obaseki was governor of Edo State for eight years and never remembered his people.

    “When I came during my campaigns, I promised them that when I win the elections I will come and do this road. The road then was completely bad and inaccessible. This is my second time coming here. The first time was when I came to flag off this road and the second time now is to inspect the progress of the job done so far.”

    Okpebholo stated that construction of the road attested to the support of President Bola Tinubu in Edo’s Infrastructure and agricultural revolution drive.

    He expressed optimism that the benefitting residents would appreciate President Tinubu with maximum votes in 2027.

    “The people are happy as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is demonstrating practical governance in Edo state, delivering the dividends of democracy to Edo people.

    “When we are talking about 2.5 million votes in Edo, people think we are joking. Edo people will not vote for another person because they have experienced growth and development in the state. 2027 is settled because it’s the judgment day and no matter the party they shall all be defeated in Edo state.

    “Our work is speaking for us as long as the President keeps giving us money, we will continue to use it to work for Edo people and develop the State and ensure the people keep smiling.”

  • Obaseki’s kinsmen hail Okpebholo on road construction

    Obaseki’s kinsmen hail Okpebholo on road construction

    Kinsmen of former Governor Godwin Obaseki have jailed Governor Monday Okpebholo for fulfilling his promise to construct the 14 kilometres Eguaholor-Iguomon-Uvbenisi-Oza Road with a spur to Ohe community.

    They said the road which linked Uhunmwode and Orhionmwon local government areas was neglected by their son.

    The former Edo Governor kinsmen spoke when Okpebholo inspected the road project which connected several agrarian communities.

    Mrs. Oyenmwen Igbinedion said they were happy that they could now take their farms produce to the market.

    She said: “Okpebholo has rescued us from darkness and it shows that the All Progressive Congress (APC) is a party to be trusted and this have shown that Governor Okpebholo’s administration is delivering practical governance to Edo people”.

    The counsellor representing Isi North in Uhunmwode local government area, Hon. Friday Agbonze, said the people suffered a lot due to the abandoned road.

    He said the construction has helped to boost economic resources of the people of the area.

    “Before now, we made several attempts to reach the former governor, Obaseki who is from this our community and he did nothing to help us. Thank God in just one year, governor Okpebholo has brought road to us and opened up our community. We are so very happy”.

    Speaking to journalists, Okpebholo said: :This is Obaseki’s Community, you can see the excitement on the faces of the people, how they have all come out to welcome us. Obaseki was governor of Edo State for eight years and never remembered his people.

    “When I came during my campaigns, i promised them that when I win the elections I will come and do this road. The road then was completely bad and inaccessible. This is my second time coming here. The first time was when I came to flag off this road and the second time now is to inspect the progress of the job done so far”.

    Okpebholo stated that construction of the road attested to the support of President Bola Tinubu in Edo’s Infrastructure and agricultural revolution drive.

    He expressed optimism  that the benefitting residents would appreciate President Tinubu with maximum votes in 2027.

    “The people are happy as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is demonstrating practical governance in Edo State, delivering the dividends of democracy to Edo people.

    “When we are talking about 2.5 million votes in Edo, people think we are joking. Edo people will not vote for another person because they have experienced growth and development in the State. 2027 is settled because it’s the judgement day and no matter the party they shall all be defeated in Edo State.

    “Our work is speaking for us as long as the President keeps giving us money, we will continue to use it to work for Edo people and develop the State and ensure the people  keep smiling”.

  • Plot to create rift between Okpebholo and I will fail, says deputy gov Idahosa

    Plot to create rift between Okpebholo and I will fail, says deputy gov Idahosa

    Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has declared that efforts by certain individuals to create friction between him and Governor Monday Okpebholo will not succeed.

    Idahosa urged those involved to redirect their energy toward initiatives that support the governor’s SHINE Agenda, stating that any plan to undermine the harmony within the administration “is dead on arrival.”

    In a personally signed statement, he described the actors behind the online narratives as distractors who are uncomfortable with the practical governance the administration has demonstrated since assuming office.

    Read Also: Indigenes responsible for kidnapping in Ekpoma, says Okpebholo

    He reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Okpebholo despite online smear campaigns targeting the government, the governor, and other senior officials. 

    According to him, unidentified individuals are attempting to sow discord by circulating false narratives, but their efforts are futile.

    “As long as my boss, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and I remain united, every such plan is bound to fail. Any attempt to divide us or weaken our team is dead on arrival,” he said.

    Idahosa stressed that he stands firmly with the governor and that the administration remains focused on fulfilling its campaign promises to the people.

  • Okpebholo sacks Edo Line MD

    Okpebholo sacks Edo Line MD

    Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of New Edo Line Transport Services Ltd, Ms. Tinyan Otuomagie, has been sacked.

    A statement by Commissioner for Transport, Saturday Uwulekhue Idehen, said the company’s General Manager, Maintenance, Mr. Smart Aigbodion, has been appointed as Acting Managing Director/CEO pending appointment of a substantive Managing Director.

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    It said Governor Monday Okpebholo directed the sacked MD to be deployed to the Ministry of Information for other assignments as may be determined by him.

  • Okpebholo sacks Edo Line MD

    Okpebholo sacks Edo Line MD

    Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of New Edo Line Transport Services Ltd, Ms. Tinyan Otuomagie, has been sacked.

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    A statement by Edo Commissioner for Transport, Saturday Uwulekhue Saturday Idehen, said the company’s General Manager, Maintenance, Mr. Smart Aigbodion, has been appointed as Acting Managing Director/CEO pending appointment of a substantive Managing Director.

    It said Governor Okpebholo directed the sacked MD to be deployed to the Ministry of Information for other assignments as may be determined by him.

  • Indigenes responsible for kidnapping in Ekpoma, says Okpebholo

    Indigenes responsible for kidnapping in Ekpoma, says Okpebholo

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has said that investigations by security agencies showed that many persons involved in criminal activities around Ekpoma were indigenes of the area.

    Residents of Ekpoma, last weekend, protested the high incidence of kidnappings in the area.

    The residents blamed herders for criminal activities in the area.

    However, Governor Okpebholo said many persons arrested in the forest by security agencies were natives of Ekpoma and environs.

    According to him, “Most of the incidents of people being kidnapped in Ekpoma are local. When soldiers and other security agencies went into the forest at night, the people caught were natives from Ekpoma. So we need to look at who our enemy really is.”

    Governor Okpebholo spoke when he received students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, and others, who were released from the Correctional Centre after their arrest in connection with the Ekpoma protest.

    Okpebholo assured them of his administration’s commitment to dialogue, reform, and the overall development of the university and the state.

    Read Also: My critics can say anything but Tinubu will win in 2027- Okpebholo

    He said he was deeply pained by the violent turn the protest took despite his commitment to the revival of AAU.

    Governor Okpebholo cautioned the students against allowing themselves to be used by criminal elements.

    He said, “Somebody said he is a student, and he protests. What are you protesting for? Don’t allow yourself to be used. Read your books so that you can be like us.”

    “The same way you are afraid of your life, is the same way I am afraid of my life. Kidnappers do not know the status of anybody, and so it’s a common problem we all have.”

    Governor Okpebholo condemned the destruction of shops and looting of properties during the protest, describing it as counterproductive.

    He asked, “Things are not moving, people are hungry, and you are burning shops and destroying properties. If it were yours, would you be happy?”

    He appealed to the students and youths to embrace peace and constructive engagement, assuring them that criminals would not be allowed to have a hiding place in Edo State.

    He said, “We have to work for Edo. Some of you may be innocent, but criminals will not have a hiding place in our state.”

  • I am passionate about Edo development, says Okpebholo

    I am passionate about Edo development, says Okpebholo

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has said that his sole motivation in governance is to deliver visible and sustainable development across Edo State.

    Governor Okpebholo, who declared his passion and strong commitment to the development of the state,

    The governor spoke while inspecting projects in Udomi, Esan Central Local Government Area.

    Among the projects inspected were the construction of a 150-bed space Edo Specialist Hospital in Udomi, the Udomi Town Hall, and the Udomi Holiday Resort project, designed to accommodate a golf course, film village, hotel, and other tourism facilities.

    Governor Okpebholo said the projects reflected his intention for the state.

    He said he has been an advocate for modern infrastructure in the state, adding that his administration has been translating ideas into concrete action.

    Read Also: Okpebholo orders release of innocent students

    The Edo Governor insisted that the State’s rich history should serve as a springboard for modern development and not a constraint.

    He said, “What is in me is to develop Edo. That is what you are seeing here.

    “During my campaign, I kept telling people: Why should Edo be an ancient city? We started early as a state. What brought the Portuguese to Edo was what they heard about Edo. Edo cannot continue to be an ancient city. We must improve it and leave it better than the way we met it,” he said.

    “In the next two years, you will see a lot of changes in Benin City. We are going to do it across the board because we have three senatorial districts.”