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Tag: Okpebholo

  • Edo’ll SHINE again under Okpebholo’s watch 

    Edo’ll SHINE again under Okpebholo’s watch 

    • By John Mayaki

    On November 12, 2024, Edo state turned a new page – that was the day Senator Monday Okpebholo was sworn in as Governor. It effectively ended an era defined by empty sloganeering and misplaced priorities and the beginning of one grounded in real leadership, action, and results. 

    Unlike his predecessor’s Make Edo Great Again (MEGA) – a cheap knock off of Trump’s MAGA, which ultimately succeeded only in “Making Edo Grounded Again” – Okpebholo’s administration is focused on undoing the damage of the past eight years while setting new standards for governance. 

    For nearly a decade, Edo’s development was stifled under a leader who prioritised battling political enemies over serving the people. Of course, resources were mismanaged, infrastructure crumbled, and governance became more about personal vendettas then meaningful progress. The state was in the news for all the wrong reasons – economic stagnation, political repression, and policies that looked good on paper but failed miserably in execution.

    Now, there is a breath of fresh air – Governor Okpebholo has launched his five-point agenda, Project SHINE – a comprehensive plan to address the Security. Health, Infrastructure, Nutrition (Agriculture), and Education deficits in the state. Again, unlike the failed promises of the past administration, this is not a publicity stunt but a well-reasoned, action-driven strategy designed to restore the lost glory of our Dear state and place her on a trajectory of sustainable development. 

    Now, let us consider one of the most damaging legacies of the last administration – its reckless attitude to security. Instead of strengthening law enforcement and investing in community safety, armed ragtag groups, thugs and political mercenaries whose primary job was to terrorise political opponents and suppress dissent took over  Rather than securing our communities,  there were sponsored unrests,  fueling an atmosphere of fear, and turning security into a tool of oppression. 

    The results, of course, were catastrophic. Kidnappings among Benin-Auchi Road, the Owan axis, and even inside Benin city became rampant, with criminals operating freely while law-abiding citizens lived in fear. The economy of the state also suffered as investors fled and businesses struggled under the weight of insecurity 

    Governor Okpebholo has made it very clear that such lawlessness will no longer be tolerated. His administration is refocusing security efforts on protecting citizens rather then politicians through Project SHINE.

    The administration is investing significantly in modern policing techniques, strengthen intelligence gathering, and improve collaboration between law enforcement and communities, ensuring that Edo becomes a safe place to live and do business.

    Okpebholo’s government is also working closely with local vigilantes, traditional rulers, and security agencies to create an effective security framework that truly serves the people and ensures that crime is both discouraged and swiftly prosecuted for deterrence.

    When it comes to health, don’t forget that for years, the healthcare system in Edo state suffered under neglect. Public hospitals were in ruins, medical professionals were underpaid, and patients were forced to provide their own basic supplies before receiving treatment. The previous administration made token efforts, commissioning empty buildings while ignoring the decaying hospitals already in existence.

    At the Central Hospital in Benin, for example, patients were often turned away due to a lack of basic drugs, equipment, and personnel. In smaller towns, clinics either didn’t exist or lacked doctors. As a result, many Edo residents had to travel to neighboring states just to get proper medical care.

    Okpebholo’s approach is different. His administration is prioritizing the renovation of hospitals, equipping them with modern medical facilities, and recruiting qualified personnel. More than just fixing buildings, he is also ensuring that doctors and nurses are well-paid and properly trained so that Edo’s healthcare system is not just functional but world-class.

    Additionally, his administration is placing emphasis on preventive healthcare, making sure that immunization drives, maternal health programs, and disease prevention campaigns receive proper funding and implementation. No longer will the state’s healthcare be about mere survival – it will be about ensuring quality and accessibility for all.

    Okpebholo’s agenda for infrastructure is clear – under the past administration, Roads in Edo state became death traps, public utilities crumbled, and markets deteriorated. Many major roads in Benin City, Auchi, Ekpoma, and Uromi were left in a state of disrepair, making transportation difficult and increasing accidents and vehicle maintenance costs for residents.

    Okpebholo’s approach is practical and strategic. His government has identified critical roads that need urgent repairs to improve transportation and commerce.

    His administration is also focusing on flood control in areas like Uselu, Ogiso, and Igbinedion Street in Benin, where poor drainage has worsened living conditions. Instead of politically motivated contracts that go nowhere, his infrastructure development plan is based on real needs, expert assessments, and proper execution.

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    In less than 100 days in office, Governor Okpebholo flagged off the construction of the Ramat Park Flyover Bridge, a long-overdue project set to ease traffic congestion and improve movement in Benin City.

    Unlike the previous administration, which was heavy on talk but slow on action, Okpebholo demonstrated his willingness to travel in a different direction and move swiftly to address a critical infrastructure gap.

    The flyover will make daily commuting smoother, reduce travel time for businesses and residents, and create jobs for engineers, construction workers, and suppliers.

    This simply tells of the governor’s commitment to practical solutions, timely execution, and governance that directly improves the lives of Edo people.

    In the SHINE agenda, you have nutrition – that is to say agriculture. Don’t forget that Edo state is an agriculturally rich state, but under the last administration, farming suffered due to broken promises and failed policies. One of the most notable failures was the Agripreneur Program, which was hyped as a revolutionary project that would create millionaire farmers but quietly died without a trace. Farmers were promised access to funding, modern equipment, and government-backed support, but in reality, they were left stranded with no tangible benefits.

    Okpebholo’s government is taking a more serious and structured approach. His administration is revitalizing agriculture by providing real access to credit, introducing mechanized farming techniques, and investing in agro-processing. 

    The administration has ready plans to revive large-scale existing farmlands in the state and also cultivate new ones. He will not relent on oil palm, cassava, pineapple farming, cocoa, and rice farming, while ensuring that Edo people benefit from government investments. With PROJECT SHINE, the administration is making sure that agriculture moves from just a subsistence activity to becoming a real driver of economic growth.

    And for education, which is the last agenda on the project SHINE, Okpebholo is taking a different route from his predecessor. 

    The previous administration boasted about its EdoBest program, selling it as a model for educational reform. But in reality, it was little more than a tool for attracting donor funds rather than an actual solution to Edo’s education crisis.

    Schools lacked proper infrastructure, teachers were overwhelmed with excessive workloads, and arbitrary cuts to subventions left many institutions struggling to function. At the primary level, there was no serious effort to improve enrollment, leading to a growing number of out-of-school children.

    Governor Okpebholo is addressing these issues head-on. His administration has increased education funding, prioritized teacher recruitment and training, and invested in renovating dilapidated schools. No longer will Edo’s children learn under trees or in overcrowded, unsafe classrooms. His policies under PROJECT SHINE are focused on real impact, not mere optics.

    The idea around the narrative of PROJECT SHINE simply sets Okpebholo apart is his focus on substance over political drama. While the previous administration wasted time fighting imaginary enemies and enforcing political tyranny, Okpebholo’s government is laser-focused on development and progress.

    He has presented a roadmap for rebuilding Edo State – a plan that prioritizes security, good healthcare, modern infrastructure, a thriving agricultural sector, and quality education. Most importantly, it is a plan that puts the people first.

    For the first time in years, Edo people can see real governance in action – a government that is about results, not rhetoric. It is clear that under Okpebholo’s watch, Edo will truly shine again.

  • Okpebholo’s 100 days: ‘Why Tinubu’s books shouldn’t have been hoarded’

    Okpebholo’s 100 days: ‘Why Tinubu’s books shouldn’t have been hoarded’

    Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, in this interview with Southsouth Bureau Chief, BISI OLANIYI, as part of the activities to mark 100 days in office of Edo Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, expresses displeasure over previous government’s waste of World Bank’s N200 billion and discloses why he wept during inspection of public schools in the state. Excerpts:

    Can you take us through what Edo State Ministry of Education has been able to achieve in 100 days of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration, in terms of policies and actions, as they relate to education?

    For our 100 days in office, we have achieved quite a lot. Let me start with this morning, we have just launched a technological platform, where all Edo State students can go online and assess their certificates.

    You know, before, you usually have to go and start checking for your certificates manually, and we had cases of students misplacing their certificates, and they would start all over, going to their different schools  to look for copies of their manual certificates, but all that will now be a thing of the past, with the unveiling of Edo Cert 2.0, to ensure that our students have access to technology.

    All you need to do is just to put the students’ numbers on the platform, and you can print your certificates. So, these are one of the things that we launched.

    When the incumbent Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, came on board, we went to the length and breadth of the state and the three senatorial districts, to identify some of the infrastructure decay in our schools, and we saw quite a number of them.

    Edo governor immediately gave a marching order that the decayed and dilapidated schools be renovated and reconstructed. In some cases, we have demolished many schools and reconstructed them as we speak, because the governor is someone who matches words with actions.

    So, immediately that directive was given, we swung into action and today, the story is different

    I am sure you must have seen some videos of Eweka Primary School, Oruma Primary School, Irrua Girls, Ekhile Primary School, New Era Girls Secondary School, and the list is endless. We are working day and night tirelessly to ensure that the average Edo child has access to education, in a conducive environment.

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    Moving from that, I am sure you are also aware of the 128 medical students of Edo State Government-owned Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were denied induction, they cried, but no hope came.

    On one of the occasions, Governor Okpebholo was going to his village, and the 128 medical students of AAU cried endlessly to him.

    Edo governor again gave his word that he was going to change the narrative, as it regard their induction. True to his word, we were in Abuja tirelessly, and we kept visiting the office of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. By the grace of God, those students were inducted just three days ago. The students are now Medical Doctors, ready to practise, ready to fit into the society, and proffer  solutions.

    One of the major areas that we looked at was the workforce. Governor Okpebholo, having started the revamping of Edo schools, we need teachers to teach our students in the schools. He has approved the employment over 500 teachers, to help strengthen the workforce. That is just the first tranche, because we are not done. We have just started the process.

    So, the first 500 teachers are going to fit into our classes in the schools across the three senatorial districts of Edo state.

    The second tranche will also come, once we conclude the needs assessment, the biometrics and teachers’ audit, because we understand that in every society, as we have the death rate, we also have the birth rate.

    Mortality is something that happens every day. New people also come into the system, while in the old set, some persons will retire, and some may pass on. You will also have the people who are no longer in the system, but they still have their names in the payroll.

    So, the biometrics will help us fish out people like that, so that we can know the exact number that we are having, and how to bring in new hands to fill the spaces that need to be filled.

    You know that the place of skills’ acquisition cannot be overemphasised. We have got to a point in history where just the certificates can no longer guarantee 100 pwr cent employment for the teeming youths.

    We have people who have gone to school, but at the end of the day are seeking for jobs. Some of them, they now turn the other way to start engaging in some social vices, but having a youthful population with the required skills is also another dimension of employment and wealth creation.

    We looked at the technical colleges, three technical colleges across the three senatorial districts. As we speak, we are presently overhauling the syllabus to meet the present day challenges, so that they can proffer solutions to the present day realities and problems in the society.

    One of the things that we have identified is the issue of staffing. We have the old hands, who are accustomed to the old practice and standards. If ten years ago, the in thing was shoemaking in those technical colleges, now the world has advanced. We now need to train people in POP and furniture making, construction, and phones repair.

    We want to be able to create a GSM village, where we have youths that are skilled, and that are trained to be able to man those roles. By so doing, they will be useful to themselves and the society. They will not just be employed, self employed, but will also be employers of labour.

    So, a lot of things have been achieved in these 100 days. We have the case of over 10,000 books that were hoarded in the warehouse, because the books had the face of President Bola Tinubu on them.

    The immediate past administration of Mr. Godwin Obaseki refused to distribute the books. The books, I can  conveniently and comfortably tell you that we have distributed them for learning by our children. The intention is to make the lives of the benefiting students better.

    Irrespective of party affiliation, one expects that the books ought to have been distributed, but Obaseki’s administration, for reasons best known to the officials, hoarded them, but forgot that they denied Edo children their rights. Their condemnable action did not affect President Tinubu, but affected Edo children. The bottleneck was removed.

    Today, every Edo child now has a sense of belonging. The students are now learning in a good environment. They have qualified teachers to teach them. They have books to learn with.  Now, the world has gone digital, and today, we have launched the technological components for the Edo Edu Cert, where they can go online.

    You do not have cases where a parent or guardian will be telling the child or ward that the results were altered. That is the beauty of the platform, because even if you are an uncle in America, and you are paying the school fees of your cousin in Nigeria, you do not need to ask the student for his results anymore. All you need to do is just to put the students ID and boom, you have the certificates.

    So, we have achieved a lot in 100 days in office, and more  development in terms of policies, programmes and infrastructure are being expected.

    What of the promotion of Edo teachers and other staff?

    We also have promotion for our teachers taking place. Those who are due, and long overdue, but neglected, are being considered. Edo governor has asked that some of the teachers be promoted, in order to encourage them, and serve as a motivation for those who are in line to be promoted.

    We have also launched the Help Desk. We had a situation where we received many complaints from teachers, students and parents. So, we hot a direct line, a hotline, and a help desk, where, if you notice any infraction in any Edo school, you can send a text message to the line. The desk officer is directly in my office. So that there will be no distortion in the information process. It was initiated to ensure that we regularly get timely reports from parents/guardians and students.

    Even in the areas where we have abuse from teachers, the help desk is very useful. We want teachers to be guardians, not predictors. We know the place of the girl child in the educational sector. So, we also launched the Protect the Girl Child Initiative. This drive was initiated to reduce rape in Edo schools.

    Perhaps teachers, who may have issues with some of our students, and you want to abuse or molest them, we are equal to the task. We have zero tolerance for abuse of students. We have told the teachers that the girl child is important to Edo state government, and they must be protected at all costs. There are more programmes that we have achieved, just in these 100 days in office.

    Moving forward, there is a category of teachers engaged under the Edo Supporting Teachers to Achieve Results (EdoSTAR). They are like contract staff. What is this government doing about them, and are they going to be absorbed into Edo schools as permanent staff or relieved of their appointments, at the expiration of their contracts?

    Most of the time, people may just bring their friends and well-wishers, and pack them into the system and that is okay in the name of anything.

    Practically, I visited one school, and I went to a student, and looked at the books of the student. The student was given dictation (spellings), and I just opened the book, and checked the note of the child. The child was given a spelling work for five items. In place of rejoice, the child spelt it as “reegoce,” that’s wrong. But EdoSTAR teacher marked it correct.

    There were three spellings that the child got wrong, but the teacher marked them right/correct. Then, I asked the teacher what it was. I told her that she did not have any business being in the school. Such a person will also call herself an EdoSTAR teacher, and claim to a graduate!m, meanwhile, she is a half-baked graduate.

    I asked the EdoSTAR teacher what she was transferring to the child. She wanted to make the case even worse, as she said that on that day, she was not feeling well, and asked another student to help her do the marking. I told her that she was even making things complicated for us. So, because things like that, when we have people who are not really competent, they do not have business being in Edo schools. Just permanenting all of them will be difficult.

    We also have a system in place where we are able to carry out our own assessment, carry out assessment for them, then those that we think are qualified and good enough will be considered for permanent employment. But for now, it cannot be automatic, because we are mindful of the kind of teachers that will be in the classrooms to teach our students in Edo state.

    Somebody may be in office and just bring his girlfriend and his family members, because there is a contract they are developing for teachers. They just put the people there. But what we as a government are particular about is the output, the learning output of our students. You cannot achieve success, if the people that are the change makers, the drivers, and the implementers of the policies are not sound. So, they are going to be considered after meeting all our criteria academically.

    Many of the EdoSTAR teachers were offered permanent employment opportunities in Edo’s public schools, based on their competence and capacities, while some of them were not employed, and they mostly complained of double standard, unfair treatment and favouritism. What is your ministry doing about such cases?

    We have heard the reports and complaints, and we are looking at them.

    Obaseki’s administration put in place the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) programme. What is Okpebholo’s government doing about the initiative?

    The EdoBEST initiative, if you want to look at it holistically, one of the major problems with the initiative is that you cannot be teaching students where the teachers are using tablets that cost Obaseki’s administration billions of Naira, but the students are sitting on the floor, without windows or doors in the classrooms. Then, what is the essence of such education? In view of the decay, I wept during the inspection of one of the public schools in Edo State.

    In Obaseki’s EdoBEST programme, one teacher was teaching primary one, two, three and four. The primary one, two, and three would be in one class. When the teacher wanted to teach primary one and two, primary three and four students would wait inside the same class? Is that what is EdoBEST?

    So, the reviews that we are doing are not to witch-hunt anybody and they are not politically-motivated, but the right things must be done. We are solving the problems created by Obaseki’s administration.

    Governor Okpebholo has seen it all. There is even a report that you will see in the coming days. Looking at a holistic view, the EdoBEST programme got over N200 billion. By this time, we are not supposed to be talking about classrooms. The N200 billion from the World Bank is a lot of money. That is $70 million. We met an appalling situation.

    So, we are taking it one at a time. By the grace of God, we will succeed. Online, you would have been seeing some of the reports, particularly assets’ recovery reports. In the coming days, more things will be revealed about Obaseki’s administration. We are interested and committed to better the lives of our students with the available resources we have.

    What has Okpebholo’s government achieved in 100 days in tertiary institutions in Edo State?

    We are committed to education, especially the overall education of the child. Edo governor, upon assumption of office on November 12, 2024, we saw a paltry sum of N41 million subvention for the state government-owned AAU, Ekpoma by Obaseki’s government, and that money was increased to N500 million by this administration. That is to tell you that this government means business.

    There are tertiary institutions in Edo state that do not enjoy the N70,000 minimum wage. We set up a committee to look at the challenge. We also have so many infrastructural development plans.

    We still have tertiary institutions in Edo were the staff and students still have borehole and electricity problems, but they will soon be things of the past. We are doing a needs assessment across all the tertiary institutions in the state and we are solving the problems one after another.

    In AAU, Ekpoma, the medical students have been inducted and the subversion has been increased. That means the university can develop more programmes and policies to better the lives of the average students of the higher institution. Governor Okpebholo also ordered the closing of unnecessary satellite campuses across Edo state, thereby directing verybody go back to AAU’s main campus at Ekpoma.

    The current administration is also strengthening the workforce, and improving the AAU,Ekpoma’s environment, so that at the end of the day, we can have decent academic calendar and programmes, unlike the satellite campuses where there are no chairs and regulatory framework. People were just doing what they liked, and would come out with certificates, without even knowing what they were doing.

    We had cases where they would just park people into the tertiary institutions, without being able to do matriculation or convocation. I am glad to announce that Edo State University, Iyamho will be having its convocation on February 27, 2025.

    What of Igarra Technical College in Edo North Senatorial District?

    Just imagine Obaseki’s administration building a satellite campus for Edo State Polytechnic, Usen at Igarra,  while Igarra Technical College is dead. Igarra Technical College has no workshop and no electricity supply, and you are bringing the satellite campus of a polytechnic to the same Igarra. When students want to practicalise constructions, they would go outside Igarra. It is a shame. We have so many misplaced priorities in Obaseki’s administration.

    When I inspected Irrua Technical College in Edo Central Senatorial District, there was no light. I was the one that cleared the three years’ electricity bill of Irrua Technical College, with my money.

    I had a meeting with some German groups who were reading theories. I told them that we were not here for theories alone, but what we could do. What is the effect of the training that you want to give us? I told them that what we are looking at in this government is not to come and be reading theories.

    Let us get assembly plants. In Germany, they have Mercedes Benz, and other big automobile industrues. Let us have conversations on how we can come and set up an assembly plant in Edo state, for our youths to learn and be adequately trained and equipped.

    How could Obaseki’s government be building Radisson Blu’s five-star hotel at the Government Reservation Area (GRA), Benin City, without any Edo person being engaged or employed? People were brought from outside Edo state. The first place the construction workers were supposed to come from were the technical colleges, with the students to be exposed to the real practical learning.

    Before I came into the educational sector, I was in the oil and gas sector. I was doing business and owned barges and vessels. What is wrong if our youths can learn welding and start building barges? To build a barge is highly profitable.

    If you have students who have learnt welding, you move and then progress them into underwater welding. This is another area that is highly lucrative. We are even in the phase where the Federal Government wants to change the pipelines in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, because they are corroded. By the grace of God, we will change the narrative, so that our youths can be gainfully employed.

    What of accreditation of courses in the tertiary institutions owned by Edo State Government?

    This is another area where we have not left unattended to. We are doing a lot. In the 100 days in office, we have achieved even to eight accreditations across for our tertiary institutions.  We had about four accreditations at Edo State Polytechnic, Usen in the last three weeks.

    We have a role to play as a government in building infrastructure and personnel that would make the regulatory councils to give full accreditations to the courses in our tertiary institutions. So, these are the areas that we are going to strengthen, so that the issue of non-accreditation of courses would be a thing of the past.

  • Okpebholo a visionary leader, says Ganduje

    Okpebholo a visionary leader, says Ganduje

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has described Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, as a visionary leader and an action governor, who is ensuring practical governance in Edo State.

    With Okpebholo, a progressive governor, at the helm in Edo, Ganduje, a former governor of Kano State, said indeed, a new Edo had risen, in view of the impressive performance of the governor in just 100 days in office, with residents of the state now enjoying the real dividends of democracy.

    The national chairman of APC spoke yesterday at the befitting Edo State government-owned Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub on Airport Road, Benin, during the elaborate and well-attended celebration of 100 days in office of Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, who chaired the central planning committee of the celebration.

    Ganduje, who was accompanied from Abuja by members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of APC, hailed Edo governor for talking less and performing excellently.

    He said: “When I mentioned to NWC members of APC, the invitation by Governor Okpebholo to his 100 days in office celebration, all of them indicated interest to attend, considering his impressive performance they have been watching on television and positive stories being told by persons who recently visited Edo State.

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    “Governor Okpebholo has achieved a lot in just 100 days in office, and he is laying a solid foundation in Edo, which will easily give him four plus four (re-election).

    “Edo State governor is a calculative leader, who is always sure of funds, before embarking on his administration’s many capital-intensive projects, and he ensures adequate supervision.”

    APC’s national chairman also urged Okpebholo to continue to listen to Edo residents, and to uphold his style of talking less, while remaining focused, in order to fulfil his campaign promises.

    A former national chairman of APC, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, and was the guest speaker on the occasion, reiterated that despite the opposition politicians in Edo, during the governorship campaigns, ahead of the September 21, 2024 election, referring to Okpebholo as a panel-beater and a tailor, they were not deterred, as they remained focused.

    Oshiomhole, an ex-governor of Edo State, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, expressed surprise that Edo former governor, Godwin Obaseki, a chieftain of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was mounting billboards on deplorable roads in Edo, that they belonged to the Federal Government, but Okpebholo hit the ground running from November 12, 2024, reconstructing the Federal Government roads, while still embarking on many other people-oriented projects and programmes.

    He said: “Governor Okpebholo is embarking on capital-intensive projects in Edo State, without signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) or engaging consultants, as done by Obaseki. The incumbent governor of Edo State is displaying native organic intelligence, not artificial intelligence.

    “Governor Okpebholo is working so well in Edo State, without embarking on propaganda, but focusing on quality projects that will stand the test of time, without lamenting as Obaseki. The Edo governor, with a good heart, is speaking with actions.

    “With God on your (Okpebholo’s) side, the solid foundation that you have laid in Edo State in just 100 days in office is strong enough to take you for eight years.”

    The former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC (Oshiomhole), also admitted that Okpebholo was performing better than him as governor, while noting that Edo governor started well, and God willing, he would finish strong and well.

    The Speaker of Edo House of Assembly, Chief Blessing Agbebaku, of PDP, while also speaking, said that the 24 lawmakers decided to join Okpebholo to quickly move Edo forward.

    Agbebaku declared that members of Edo Assembly were not playing politics in the House, but working as a family to adequately support the governor to succeed, despite the lawmakers belonging to APC, PDP and Labour Party (LP).

    Edo governor noted that yesterday marked 100 days since he and others embarked on the journey of rebuilding, restoring and renewing the state.

    He said: “In this short, but impactful period, we have laid a strong foundation for progress across critical sectors. When we took over from the last administration, we met a state full of potential, but facing serious challenges. Infrastructure was inadequate, businesses were struggling, and the public sector needed urgent reforms.

    “From day one, our goal has been clear, to restore trust in leadership, create opportunities, and set Edo on the path to lasting progress. While there is still much to be done, we have begun taking decisive steps to turn our vision into reality.

    “We have taken significant steps to strengthen our economy by improving the Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) to over N10 billion, the highest ever recorded in our state’s history. This was achieved through prudent financial management strategies deployed by my government. We have disengaged wasteful consultants and reinvested resources in strengthening public service efficiency.

    “Our commitment to job creation is evident in the Public Service Talent Development Programme, ensuring our best minds contribute meaningfully to the growth of Edo state.”

    Okpebholo also stated that his administration understood that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) were the backbone of the economy.

    He said: “We launched an interest-free loan scheme for market women, farmers, and artisans, which will benefit over 5,000 entrepreneurs. In partnership with the World Bank, we have disbursed grants to over 400 small business owners, ensuring resilience in the face of economic challenges.

    “To keep food affordable for all, we banned market unions responsible for price inflation, leading to a significant reduction in food prices.

    “Healthcare remains a top priority. For us, security is non-negotiable. Major road construction projects are ongoing across the state, while the historic Ramat Park flyover is set to ease traffic congestion in Benin City.

    “The future of our state, under my leadership, is bright, as evident in the progress we have made together. With our Economic Development Plan, which prioritises agriculture, infrastructure, and investment in youth skills development, I envision Edo becoming the fifth-largest economy in Nigeria. Our goal is to drive sustainable economic growth over the next four years.

    “We will continue to leverage our strategic location to attract large businesses across key sectors, encourage Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and foster a homegrown economy powered by a highly skilled and productive workforce.

    “Our hybrid infrastructure master plan, designed to partner with both the federal and local governments, will bridge identified gaps in the short to medium term.”

    The governor extended a hand of fellowship to partners within Nigeria and across the diaspora, thereby fostering the synergy needed to transform his administration’s vision of a peaceful and prosperous state into reality, saying the doors of his government remained open to all, who shared the vision of a greater Edo.

  • Okpebholo unveils new buses for state-run transport service

    Okpebholo unveils new buses for state-run transport service

    • Governor lifts security agencies with 50 vehicles to boost operation

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo yesterday marked 100 days in office.

    He was joined by Works Minister, Senator Dave Umahi; representative of Edo North Senatorial District, Senator Adams Oshiomhole; and other personalities to inaugurate projects.

    Okpebholo purchased and inaugurated over 56 Toyota Hiace buses, out of the 100 expected before the end of this month.

    He also inaugurated Toyota Hilux vans and Prado Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs), which his administration is distributing to security agencies to fight crime.

    Governor Okpebholo was equally joined at the event by Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, Secretary to Edo State Government (SSG) Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff to Edo Governor, Gani Audu, top government functionaries, chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), heads of security agencies, among others.

    Oshiomhole, who unveiled 56 buses, 38 new Toyota Hilux vans and over 16 Prado SUVs as security vehicles, also inaugurated the new Toyota Hiace buses to be used for Edoline Transport Services.

    Oshiomhole hailed Okpebholo for his achievements in 100 days in office, saying what he could not do as governor, Okpebholo was doing them.

    He noted that Edo people were experiencing efforts by the current governor to fulfil his campaign promises. 

    Oshiomhole said: “Criminals are mobile. Security agencies charged with the responsibility of fighting crime in Edo State must be mobile to match the criminals. They can only do so with good vehicles, which the governor has made possible.

    “I am happy that you (Okpebholo) are speaking less and doing more for Edo residents, as your actions will continue to speak louder than voices. These security vehicles have been equipped with communication gadgets, as our security agencies have all it takes to fight the criminals.

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    “Those that borrowed so much money could not afford to buy a new vehicle for security agencies. I pray Edo people will gradually recover the lost time of the period of eight years. In 100 days, you have shown this greatness for Edo people.”

    Oshiomhole also hailed Edo governor for not purchasing the vehicles through Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) or hired consultants.

    He noted that the action of Okpebholo was a signal that Edo was not a safe place for criminals to operate.

    The former President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said: “Some of your (Okpebholo’s) decisions have restored peace to Edo State, as residents now live happily. You have returned Edo to the path of sustainable growth and development.”

    At the inauguration of the buses for Edoline Transport Services, Oshiomhole hailed the courage, determination and bravery of Okpebholo to revive the state-owned transport company.

    He said: “I am completely short of words, because of the action of Edo governor to revive Edoline. I tried during my time, but could not do it. I was able to revive Edo City Transport Service (ECTS), which is basically intra-city, which is popularly called Comrade Bus.

    “To revive the Edoline, which was set up when I was still in primary school, and one of the legacies of our departed elder statesman, the late Samuel Ogbemudia as governor, I could not believe that you have achieved this great feat. The spirit of the late Ogbemudia will be smiling in heaven for this achievement that his legacy is kept alive by your government.

    “This action will give the travelling public more choices and options in embarking on inter-state travels. Individuals cannot hold Edo travelling public to ransom, because they have a choice between the famous Edoline or other travelling companies.”

    The Edo North senator apologised to Edo people for supporting Godwin Obaseki, who governed the state for eight years and commended Okpebholo.

    He said: “When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sees what you are doing for Edo people, he knows that you will deserve support to do more. You have to do more for your eight years and also fill the lost eight years of Obaseki, as it requires double effort and resources.”

    Edo Police Commissioner, Betty Otimenyin, had hailed Okpebholo for the vehicles distributed to security agencies to fight crime and criminality.

    She said: “We thank Edo State governor for matching words with actions by providing security agencies with these vehicles, especially now that we are embarking on ‘Operation Rescue’ at the instance of the state government.

    “We are embarking on ‘Operation Rescue’, in collaboration with sister security agencies, to operate in the three senatorial districts of Edo, as you will see our vehicles across the state, protecting the lives and property of Edo residents.

    “You will see us in Ubiaja, Uromi, Auchi, Oluku, Ring Road, Ramat Park and other areas in Edo State, to ensure we create a peaceful and friendly environment for our people to live peacefully and thrive in all they do.”

  • New Edo has risen under Okpebholo, says APC chieftain Aghedo

    New Edo has risen under Okpebholo, says APC chieftain Aghedo

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Oscar Aghedo, has congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo on the occasion of his 100-day anniversary in office as the governor.

    He said: “A new Edo has truly risen under Okpebholo’s leadership.” Aghedo, who is vying for the vacant Ovia Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives left open by the elevation of Edo State Deputy Governor from Edo South Senatorial District, expressed his admiration for the governor’s leadership in a congratulatory message in Benin City.

    He said Okpebholo’s leadership had left an indelible mark on Edo State’s history, inspiring a new era of hope, prosperity and limitless possibilities.

    Said he: “It is with immense pride and jubilation that I celebrate a transformative leader, who has illuminated the path to greatness. I extend my warmest congratulations to you on reaching this well-deserved milestone of 100 days in office.

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    “In just 100 days, you have demonstrated civility, steadfastness, capacity and the political will to ensure peace and security for all citizens of Edo State. A new Edo has truly risen under your leadership. Despite the challenges inherited, your administration has swiftly taken decisive steps to address critical issues, ensuring Edo State remains on the path of growth and stability.

    Your commitment to infrastructure development, economic empowerment and good governance has been evident in the projects initiated within these first 100 days, bringing renewed hope to the people.

    “Your actions reflect the hallmarks of true leadership – a commitment to service and humanity. I am confident that the rest of your tenure will be marked by even greater achievements, and I pledge my support for your administration’s vision of a better and more prosperous Edo State. As we celebrate this milestone, I encourage all Edo people to continue supporting your vision and working collectively towards a greater future for our state.”

  • Correspondents’ chapel pledges support for good governance 

    Correspondents’ chapel pledges support for good governance 

    The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, has pledged objective reportage of government policies and programs to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance.

    The Chapel disclosed this in a statement congratulating Edo state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo on the occasion of his first 100 days in office.

    In the statement jointly endorsed by Patrick Ese Ochoga and Elder Patrick Ahanor, Chairman and secretary of the Chapel respectively, the journalists said the administration has provided  purposeful leadership, visionary governance and unwavering commitment to the development of Edo State.

    The statement  noted that the administration’s bold steps in road rehabilitation and urban renewal projects  have significantly improved transportation networks across the state and ease movement for citizens and businesses.

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    The statement described  the government Back-to-Farm Initiative as a strategic move towards food security,  job creation and geared to uplift the economy through agriculture.

    It added: “Your inclusive approach to governance and willingness to engage stakeholders in decision-making reflect your dedication to ensure that every Edo citizen benefits from government policies.

    “As members of the press, the Correspondents’ Chapel  will continue to play its professional role in objectively reporting government policies and programs, while upholding the highest journalistic standards. 

    “We stand firm with developmental journalism to  promote transparency, accountability, and good governance.

    “The Chapel congratulate Your Excellency on this remarkable milestone and urge you to sustain the momentum as you continue to deliver on your promises to the people of Edo State.”

  • Alleged N96b fraud: Sacked Edo council chairmen will face EFCC probe, says Okpebholo

    Alleged N96b fraud: Sacked Edo council chairmen will face EFCC probe, says Okpebholo

    • Report indicts Obaseki, PDP leaders

    The report of the administrative panel of enquiry set up by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo on December 18, 2024 to investigate the financial dealings of the impeached 18 local government chairmen in Edo from September 4, 2023 to November 2024 has indicted former Governor Godwin Obaseki and some leaders of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, over messy N96 billion local government fraud.

    Okpebholo, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday  revealed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would prosecute some of the 18 recently-impeached council chairmen indicted for looting their treasuries.

    The governor, while receiving the report from members of the panel at the Government House in Benin, expressed satisfaction with the professionalism with which they carried out their duties?

    He said the days of financial recklessness and lack of transparency in public office were over.

    Okpebholo said: “Nigerians need to start demanding accountability from elected public office holders. It is the only way to fight corruption and ensure development.

    “I want to thank you for a job well done. I carefully listened to the submission of the report. The truth is that the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki took Edo people for granted. They took everything belonging to Edo people and channelled it for their personal gains.

    “We thank God for helping us to change the narrative to benefit Edo people. We also thank the President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, because without his support, we will not be witnessing the kind of development we are experiencing in Edo State today.

    “A lot has happened. The PDP leaders looted the treasuries of the local governments in Edo and stole our collective patrimony, and nobody went after them or took action. This time, things are different. We will go after them and retrieve what they have stolen from Edo people. They will be made to pay for it. I will personally take this document to the EFCC and ensure justice is done for this wrong done to Edo people.”

    The Chairman of the panel, Solomon Imohiosen, while submitting the report and recommendations to Okpebholo, noted that findings and forensic investigations uncovered that huge sum, amounting to N96 billion, was either mismanaged and/or diverted to private accounts.

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    He revealed that N95 billion (N95,080,676,687.86) was received from the Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC) by the 18 local government council chairmen for the period investigated  with the funds not judiciously utilised, as no meaningful project was on ground to justify the funds received.

    Imohiosen also confirmed fraudulent diversion of Edo’s local government funds to political godfathers in the state, with over N10 billion (10,433,658,452.00) fraudulently siphoned, using the pseudo name: Security, Environment and Training, while the 18 local government council chairmen contributed to the account, using it as a conduit to drain government’s resources, as funds were transferred from it to individuals and companies.

    He noted that the panel faced different challenges during the course of the assignment, which included late submission of financial records by local government councils, incomplete submission of records, deliberate obstruction of the investigation by council personnel who failed to comply in time, but brought hefty sacks as an after-thought to dazzle panel members.

    The chairman said: “The panel’s investigation uncovered significant irregularities in the financial activities of the 18 local governments councils in Edo.

    “The recommendations outlined in the panel’s report aim to address the irregularities and promote transparency and accountability in the finances of Edo local government councils.”

    Imohiosen also stated that the report indicted a former chairman of  Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Oghomwen Ugiagbe, who used his hotel, Demarriots Hotels Limited, Ahonsi Ogiegbaen Osifo, Eric Agbonmwanre, Abraham Burma and Dickson Notiemwenmwan to loot local government’s funds, which he described as unfortunate.

  • Edo election: Why no party benefitted from over-voting

    Edo election: Why no party benefitted from over-voting

    By John Mayaki

      The recent testimonies before the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal have provided critical insights into the conduct of the election, particularly regarding incidents of over-voting.

      Witnesses, including collation and polling agents from various political parties, have corroborated a singular fact: whenever over-voting was detected, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) took decisive action by canceling the affected results. This meticulous decision of the electoral umpire is commendable – being a commitment to upholding electoral integrity and ensuring that no political party derived undue advantage from irregularities.

      From Esan North East to Akoko Edo, Oredo, and Owan West, testimonies from party agents and independent monitors consistently indicate that INEC enforced strict adherence to its electoral guidelines. Afuda Theophilus Idemudia, who monitored the election in Esan North East, confirmed that despite the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) agent signing the election results, the discovery of over-voting led to their outright cancellation. This immediate nullification of compromised results prevented any party from unfairly benefiting from electoral discrepancies.

      Similarly, in Oredo LGA, the APC’s Collation Agent, Engr. Gabriel Iduseri, testified that no political party raised objections to the election’s conduct. However, when over-voting was detected in Polling Unit 8, Ward 10, INEC officials invalidated the results at the Ward Collation Center. This proactive measure reinforces the fact that over-voting was addressed impartially, irrespective of the political party involved.

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      The testimonies of these witnesses has further thrown more light on the unusual but significant aspect of the election: broad agreement among political parties on the fairness of INEC’s process.

      Hon. Frank David, APC’s Collation Agent for Owan West LGA, confirmed that neither he nor any other party agent – including those representing PDP and Labour Party – contested the final results. The fact that agents from opposing political parties signed off on the result sheets is a strong endorsement of the credibility of INEC’s collation process.

      Moreover, Kamarudeen Coker Bello, the APC’s Local Government agent in Akoko Edo, corroborated that election results were canceled in cases where over-voting was detected, reinforcing the non-partisan application of electoral rules. These cancellations ensured that no party, including the then ruling led by former Governor Godwin Obaseki or the then opposition APC, gained an unfair advantage due to compromised vote counts.

      The consistent and non-discriminatory approach taken by INEC in invalidating results affected by over-voting simply speaks to institutional safeguards against electoral fraud. The electoral body’s reliance on the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has further strengthened the transparency of the process, making it easier to detect and rectify irregularities. In this election, over-voting did not translate into a gain for any party, as INEC ensured that all such cases were expunged from the final vote tally.

      Let me add that, the absence of formal complaints from party agents at the collation centers demonstrates a level of consensus rarely seen in contentious elections. It suggests that the process was conducted in a manner that inspired confidence among stakeholders, reinforcing public trust in the electoral system.

      The testimonies before the tribunal have painted a clear picture of an election where INEC upheld its mandate to conduct a free, fair, and credible process. By systematically identifying and canceling results tainted by over-voting, INEC ensured that no political party unfairly benefited from irregularities. The absence of complaints from party agents at critical collation points, coupled with their willingness to sign off on final results, further affirms the credibility of the process that led to the victory of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the governor of Edo state.

      While electoral systems are never perfect, the Edo election stands as a case study in how an electoral body can mitigate irregularities without partisan bias. The tribunal proceedings have, if anything, reinforced the fact that the election’s outcome was determined not by electoral fraud but by the democratic will of the people.

    • Okpebholo hails Tinubu for approving federal varsity of sports

      Okpebholo hails Tinubu for approving federal varsity of sports

      Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing into law, a bill establishing Federal University of Sports at Afuze, the headquarters of Owan East Local Government.

      He said the decision marked a milestone in the state’s commitment to expanding access to quality higher education and fostering intellectual growth.

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      Okpebholo said yesterday in Benin: “Today (February 12), we celebrate a victory for the people of Edo State.

      “The establishment of the Federal University of Sports is a testament to President Tinubu’s dedication to advancing education in Nigeria. The institution will not only provide opportunities for our teeming youths, but will also serve as a catalyst for socio-economic development in our state and the nation at large.”

    • Okpebholo gets kudos for promoting health care

      Okpebholo gets kudos for promoting health care

      President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the visionary leadership of Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, for reviving and promoting health care in the state.

      The President, yesterday in Benin, said Okpebholo was ensuring that residents had the best health care.

      Tinubu spoke through the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ishaq Salako, when he led a delegation to the Government House, Benin to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the take-off of a National Obstetrics Fistula Centre in the Edo State capital.

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      The centre is expected to treat cases of Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF).

      Salako noted that in May 2023, just before President Tinubu assumed office, the National Obstetrics Fistula Centre was established in Benin.