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Tag: Okpebholo

  • Okpebholo seeks N100b loan to finance infrastructural projects

    Okpebholo seeks N100b loan to finance infrastructural projects

    Edo State is seeking a N100billion loan from First Bank Nigeria PlC to finance some projects.

    This was made known in a letter, signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ikhilor, to the state House of Assembly.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the letter was addressed to the Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku.

    READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu at 60

    The letter, entitled: “Request for Legislative Approval of N100 billion”, explained that the loan would support contractors’ financing for infrastructure projects in various parts of Edo.

    The Assembly has approved a N100 billion loan for Okpebholo to carry out infrastructural development.

    At the Committee of the Whole, the lawmakers supported the governor’s request, saying that it would help complete ongoing infrastructure projects.

    The speaker directed the Clerk, Yahaya Omognai, to forward copies of the resolution approving the request to the governor for immediate implementation.

    NAN reports that the House also passed a bill establishing St. Matthew Royal College of Nursing Science, Edenu-Irrua

  • Okpebholo promises 2.5 million votes for Tinubu on 2027

    Okpebholo promises 2.5 million votes for Tinubu on 2027

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has promised to deliver 2.5million votes for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

    Governor Okpebholo said the votes would serve as a token of appreciation for the developmental strides witnessed across the state under his administration.

    Okpebholo spoke at Okaijesan Town Hall in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, where he received thousands of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The Edo Governor said the Edo APC remained an open and inclusive platform for all citizens committed to progress.

    He stated that the state’s development required collective input, adding that the party welcomed all new members eager to contribute to the advancement of Edo.

    Governor Okpebholo said the defectors joined the APC voluntarily after being moved by the visible impact of his administration’s developmental agenda.

    Read Also: Ex-lawmaker tasks Okpebholo on Electricity Act

    “I want to commend the members of the PDP who have made the decision to join our great party, the APC,” he said. “This defection is a testament to the fact that the PDP has lost relevance in Esan Central, my own constituency. Today marks the political end of the PDP in this local government.

     “Their decision to align with our party is a clear endorsement of our direction and leadership.

    “In 2027, we will reward President Tinubu’s love for Edo with 2.5 million votes. The people have spoken through their actions. Edo is APC, and APC is the vehicle of our development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “I will not fail you. I will continue to work diligently to ensure that Edo enjoys sustained development under my watch,” he concluded.

    Among key political figures that returned to the APC was a former Edo State APC Chairman, Anselm Ojezua, members of the Edo State House of Assembly, former local government chairmen, councillors, and former PDP leaders.

    Leader of the APC in Edo Central Senatorial District, Major General Cecil Esekhaigbe, assured the new members that the party does not discriminate, but offered a level playing field for all committed to the growth and unity of Edo State.

  • Okpebholo raises committee on farmers, herders clash

    Okpebholo raises committee on farmers, herders clash

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has named General Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd) as chairman of the Livestock Control Committee to end clashes between herders and farmers.

    Speaking during the inauguration of the 27-man committee, Okpebholo tasked the committee to work in line with the terms of reference. He urged the committee to handle the task carefully while the assignment was being carried out.

    He said: “We have to carry it out with the fear of God so that we can have especially the best time and result. We can see what is happening today. Herders clash here and there.

    “You have to confine them to a particular location. That is the essence of this committee. I have people with a wealth of experience in the committee. So, I believe that with God on our side, we are going to achieve our purpose.”

     Esekhaigbe pledged the committee’s dedication to do the right thing.

    READ ALSO: Tinubu orders speedy execution of approved projects

    He said: “We will do our best to make sure that our assignment that has been given to us is carried out to the best of our abilities. And to ensure that these community clashes in farmers areas crisis will not be a thing to mention in our dear state.”

    The governor also inaugurated a Boundary Committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa.

    He said the committee would address boundary disputes affecting communities in Edo, and its neighbouring states.

    “We have Lagos, we have Ondo, we have Delta, we have Kogi State. So, we have boundary crises here and there. For this reason, I think the people before me today are the best to handle this task for the betterment of Edo people.”

    Idahosa pledged the committee’s commitment to deliver on what he termed a crucial task.

  • Okpebholo raises committee on farmers, herders clash

    Okpebholo raises committee on farmers, herders clash

    Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has named General Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd) as chairman of Livestock Control Committee to end clashes between herders and farmers in the state.

    Speaking at the inauguration of the 27-man committee, Governor Okpebholo tasked the committee to work line with the terms of reference.

    Governor Okpebholo urged the committee to handle the task carefully while the assignment was being carried out. 

    He said, “We have to carry it out with the fear of God so that we can have especially the best time and result. We can see what is happening today. Herders clashes here and there. 

    “You have to confine them to a particular location. That is the essence of this committee. I have people with a wealth of experience in the committee. So, I believe that with God on our side, we are going to achieve our purpose.”

    Read Also: ‘Why Okpebholo reinstated Edo primary health agency boss’

    In his acceptance speech, General Esekhaigbe pledged the committee’s dedication to do the right thing.

    “We will do our best to make sure that our assignment that has been given to us is carried out to the best of our abilities. And to ensure that these community clashes in farmers areas crisis will not be a thing to mention in our dear state.”

    He outlined the committee’s specific terms of reference to include: regulating the movement of livestock within the state; inspecting, certifying, and registering all ranches; controlling the activities of cattle herdsmen within various communities; providing security reports to the Governor on the activities of cattle and livestock farmers within designated ranching areas; and determining and recommending permit fees and renewal fees for cattle and livestock herdsmen/owners.

    Governor Okpebholo also inaugurated a high-powered Boundary Committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Hon Dennis Idahosa.

    He said the committee would address boundary disputes affecting communities within Edo State and those bordering neighboring States.

    “We have Lagos, we have Ondo, we have Delta, we have Kogi State. So, we have boundary crises here and there. For this reason, I think the people before me today are the best to handle this task for the betterment of Edo people.”

    Idahosa pledged the committee’s commitment to deliver on what he termed crucial task. 

    “This committee will strive to carry out our mission which is to ensure accurate boundary demarcation, promote peaceful coexistence among communities and foster development in the areas affected by conflicts while collaborating with all stakeholders and actively engaging with citizens in fulfilling our mandate.”

  • Okpebholo approves return of mission schools

    Okpebholo approves return of mission schools

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved the return of some secondary schools to missionary organisations in the state.

    This is the second time the Edo State Government would be returning schools to their original missionary owners.

    Former Governor Lucky Igbinedion returned schools such as the Immaculate Conception College, Edo College, Baptist Girls School and Eghosa Grammar School.

    Governor Okpebholo announced his decision to return schools after a meeting with the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Gabriel Dunia.

    Read Also: Democracy Day: No protest in Edo as Okpebholo seeks renewed commitment to democratic ideals

    The Edo Governor said he would set up a committee to identify specific schools to be handed over and clarified that any of the affected schools currently undergoing renovation by the State Government would remain under its supervision until their completion.

    Among the schools listed to be returned were Our Lady of Fatima College, Auchi; St. Angela’s Grammar School, Uzairue; St. John Grammar School, Fugar; St. Peter’s Grammar School, Agenebode; St. James’s Grammar School, Afuze; St. Joseph College, Otuo; St. Mary Grammar School, Eme-Ora; and St. Aloysius Gonzaga Grammar School, Ososo.

    On his part, Bishop Dunia said previous administrations refused to listen to the church’s requests for the return of their institutions until now.

     Dunia said the Catholic mission emphasised the intellectual formation of children as well as fostering “ideal moral character.

  • ‘Why Okpebholo reinstated Edo primary health agency boss’

    ‘Why Okpebholo reinstated Edo primary health agency boss’

    Fresh details have emerged on the decision by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo to reinstate Dr. Coulsdon Oahimire as the Executive Secretary of the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency.

    Dr. Oahimire was initially suspended following a petition accusing him of misappropriating funds meant for UNICEF-supported immunisation and training programmes under the Basic Health Support fund.

    According to government sources, the petition alleged that Oahimire diverted funds designated for training medical doctors, nurses, and Community Health Extension Workers involved in a life support programme.

    Read Also: Okpebholo disbursed N1bn interest free loan to 5000 farmers, traders

    However, findings from a committee set up to investigate the matter reportedly cleared Dr. Oahimire of any wrongdoing, leading to his reinstatement by the governor.

    The source said, “Investigation was carried out into the allegations and a panel was set up. The suspended Executive Secretary was exonerated by the panel.”

    When approached for a reaction, he said he owed no grudge against the petitioner and that he had resolved to work with him, being a staff member of the agency in accordance with the law.

    He thanked everybody who played a major role towards the investigation and reinstatement as the Executive Secretary of the Primary Health Development Agency.

  • Okpebholo disbursed N1bn interest free loan to 5000 farmers, traders

    Okpebholo disbursed N1bn interest free loan to 5000 farmers, traders

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has begun disbursement of N1bn interest free loan to 5000 farmers and traders across the state.

    Okpebholo said the loan disbursement was a direct alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for national progress. 

    Okpebholo said the initiative was designed to inject vitality into grassroots commerce.

    The Edo governor, who spoke while addessing beneficiaries, said the loan disbursement was in fulfillment of his electoral promises.

    According to him, “Today, what we are doing in Edo State is the implementation of the agenda of the President. We thank God for the kind of leadership He has given to Edo State and Nigeria. Now, it is time for the progress for our people.

    Read Also: Democracy Day: No protest in Edo as Okpebholo seeks renewed commitment to democratic ideals

    “I just wanted to be sure that this money will not go to the wrong hands. That is the essence of this gathering. Because, with my past experience, whenever the Executive gives out loans, the money does not get to the grassroots,” Governor Okpebholo noted.

    Edo Commissioner for Finance, Emmanuel Ehidiamen Okoebor, said the loan would “boost the economy of our rural areas and semi-urban areas, create jobs, and reduce poverty.” 

    The beneficiaries will receive N200,000, with a 12-month repayment period and a one-month moratorium.

  • Our intervention on Benin-Abuja highway reduced travel time, says Okpebholo

    Our intervention on Benin-Abuja highway reduced travel time, says Okpebholo

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has hailed his administration for the repair work carried out on the Benin-Abuja highway, especially the Iruekpen axis of the road.

    Governor Okpebholo said the intervention has helped to reduce travel time on the highway between Benin and Iruekpen to 45 minutes.

    The Edo governor, who spoke after he travelled through the road, said he was satisfied with the progress of work on the road.

    He attributed the progress made on the road to the state’s alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Okpebholo said he placed emphasis on practical governance and development as evident in the progress made on the road project.

    According to him, “Until now, you can spend days on this road to get to Iruekpen, but today it will only take you 45 minutes because the road is now smooth and better.

    “Edo State is enjoying massive infrastructural development because the state keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The president’s love for the people of Edo State has ensured that we receive the dividends of democracy through practical governance.

    Read Also: Okpebholo urges Muslims to pray for peace

    “My administration has embarked on practical governance that all will see, feel, and experience. With the completion of this project, the state will continue to enjoy the benefits of improved infrastructure, and the people will reap the rewards of good governance.

    “Before I became the governor of Edo State, I already knew why I was seeking the position, which was to serve the people, and that is my focus. To develop the entire state and also make the welfare of Edo people my priority.”

    The representative of the construction company, Engr. Bajwa Mohd said the road has significantly improved the travel experience for commuters, reducing the transit period for journeys from Benin City to Ekpoma.

    “The road is smoother now, and the transit period has reduced for a journey from Benin City to Ekpoma as travellers enjoy their trip now.”

  • Eno’s defection will strengthen APC in South South – Okpebholo

    Eno’s defection will strengthen APC in South South – Okpebholo

    Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo has expressed optimism that the defection of his Akwa Ibom counterpart Pastor Umo Eno, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would strengthen the party in the South South region.

    Okpebholo commended Eno’s bold and courageous decision to align with the progressive ideals and national vision of the APC.

    The Governor, who spoke in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said
    the defection demonstrated commitment to the advancement and development of Akwa Ibom State as well as ensuring seamless integration into the federal government’s developmental agenda under the Renewed Hope mantra of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He expressed confidence Eno’s defection would strengthen the APC’s presence in the South South region and contributed significantly to national cohesion and development.

    Read Also: Okpebholo urges Muslims to pray for peace

    Okpeholo assured Eno of his unwavering support and cooperation, saying he looked forward to working closely with Governor Eno to promote good governance, economic prosperity, and the overall well-being of the Nigerian people.

    According to the statement: “The decision by Governor Umo Eno to join the APC shows his foresight and dedication to the welfare of his people.

    “It signifies a strategic alignment that will undoubtedly unlock greater opportunities, foster stronger collaborations, and accelerate the delivery of democratic dividends to the good people of Akwa Ibom State.”

  • Okpebholo urges Muslims to pray for peace

    Okpebholo urges Muslims to pray for peace

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has called on Muslim in the country to continue to pray for peace in the country.

    Governor Okpebholo, in his goodwill message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said the Eid al-Adha festival symbolized sacrifice, obedience, and devotion to the Almighty Allah.

    Okpebholo urged Muslims to reflect on the core lessons of the celebration, which include compassion, generosity, and submission to the will of God.

    Read Also: Marwa mourns Jubril Aminu, describes ex-minister as epitome of knowledge

    He assured the Muslim community of his administration’s unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all religions can thrive and where the rights and freedoms of every citizen are respected.

    “As we commemorate Eid al-Adha, let us be reminded of the spirit of sacrifice exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham),” Governor Okpebholo stated. “This significant occasion calls for us to deepen our faith, uphold the virtues of peaceful coexistence, and extend a hand of fellowship to our neighbors, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

    “My administration remains dedicated to creating an Edo State where peace, progress, and prosperity are accessible to all,” Governor Okpebholo added. “Let us use this period to pray for the continued peace, security, and development of our state and nation.”