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Tag: Okpebholo

  • Edo Diaspora Culture Promoters congratulate Okpebholo

    Edo Diaspora Culture Promoters congratulate Okpebholo

    International Culture promoters of Edo State origin have sent out a message of congratulations to Gov Monday Okpebholo who just assumed office on November 12, 2024.

    In a letter signed by Cultural Ambassador Isaac Izoya and Igbinosun Dickson Osarobo (24Bits), the group going by the aegis of Edo Diaspora Culture Promoters (EDCP) wrote “We write to congratulate you on your victory and assumption of office after a keenly contested election.

    We urge you to continue to be a man of the people like you have always been since your years at the National Assembly.

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    We urge you not to forget the importance of cultural promotion in the international marketing of our dear state because of the huge benefits accruing from it.

    Aside this, we also urge you not to let the widely celebrated culture of the Edo people die during your watch.

    We offer our culture promotion know-how to the service of our dear state.We are eagerly awaiting your invitation to discuss ways and means of non- stop promotion of Edo culture and tradition internationally.

  • JUST IN: Shettima presides over NEC meeting, as Okpebholo gives opening prayer

    JUST IN: Shettima presides over NEC meeting, as Okpebholo gives opening prayer

    Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently presiding over the National Economic Council (NEC) at the State House in Abuja,

    The meeting being attended by state governors, some deputy governors, and members of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic team is expected to discuss key economic issues.

    Read Also: Shettima joins senators to pay Ifeanyi Ubah final tributes

    To kick start the meeting, Vice President Shettima allowed Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, who is attending the meeting for the first time, to give the opening prayer after the national anthem.

     Details shortly…

  • Edo Assembly confirms Okpebholo’s nominee, Okoebor as finance commissioner

    Edo Assembly confirms Okpebholo’s nominee, Okoebor as finance commissioner

    The Edo State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Blessing Agbebaku, on Wednesday, confirmed Emmanuel Okoebor as the state’s Commissioner for Finance. 

    Okoebor, nominated on Tuesday by Governor Monday Okpebholo, was screened by the House Committee on Rules, Business, and Government House, chaired by Majority Leader Charity Aiguobarueghian.

    The committee recommended his confirmation, which the lawmakers approved through a voice vote. 

    In a related development, Governor Okpebholo has suspended all market unions and associations in Edo State with immediate effect.

    Read Also: Edo Assembly okays 20 special advisers for Okpebholo

    The directive, announced by Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Umar Ikhilor, authorized the police and security agencies to arrest non-compliant union leaders. 

    The governor explained that the suspension was necessitated by reports of unions obstructing farmers from selling directly to consumers and arbitrarily fixing food prices, adversely affecting low-income earners in the state.

  • Edo Assembly okays 20 special advisers for Okpebholo

    Edo Assembly okays 20 special advisers for Okpebholo

    • Governor kicks off building of first flyover

    The 24-member Edo State House of Assembly has approved Governor Monday Okpebholo’s request to appoint 20 special advisers, to enhance effective administration.

    The approval followed a letter submitted by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Musa Ikhilor, seeking the house’s consent for the appointments.

    The motion for the approval was moved by the Majority Leader, Charity Aiguobarueghian, seconded by the Minority Leader, Eric Okaka.

    Aiguobarueghian cited Section 196 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which granted the governor the authority to appoint special advisers.

    Read Also: Adams Oshiomhole’s son, Cyril, inaugurated by Okpebholo as Edo’s health commissioner

    The motion received unanimous support during a voice vote, clearing the way by the Chief Blessing Agbebaku-led House of Assembly for Okpebholo to proceed with the appointments.

    The assembly also received a letter from the governor, nominating Emmanuel Okoebor as commissioner for Finance-designate, while requesting the lawmakers to confirm the appointment.

    Governor Okpebholo yesterday kicked off construction of the first flyover at the popular Ramat Park, Benin, as part of efforts to reduce traffic congestion in the city.

  • Okpebholo declares war on cultism in Edo

    Okpebholo declares war on cultism in Edo

    Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo has ordered heads of various security agencies in the state to make Edo unsafe for criminal elements.

    Okpebholo gave the directive during an inaugural security meeting held on Monday night in Benin, the state capital.

    In a statement on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, the governor said his administration places high priority on security.

    He said that his government would do everything possible to ensure that the state was safe for every resident, adding that his administration would not fold its arms while cult-related killings go on in the state.

    Read Also: Okpebholo signs revised N486b Appropriation Bill into law

    Okpebholo urged security agencies to collaborate and ensure that they put a stop to killings in the state, especially in the state capital.

    “During my campaign, I placed security above all. It is a priority for my administration because it is important. The rate of cultism is not acceptable by my administration.

    “The issue of cultism is not acceptable in Edo. We do not want to lose anybody, and we will be firm about this.

    “We must smoke criminals out of the state, wherever they are hiding and ensure that the state is safe for all,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that several lives have been lost in recent renewed cult clashes in the state, particularly in Benin.

    (NAN)

  • Oba of Benin: why Okpebholo will excel as governor

    Oba of Benin: why Okpebholo will excel as governor

    The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has given an assurance that Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, will excel, in view of his wealth of experience as a businessman and visionary politician.

    He congratulated Okpebholo on his November 12 inauguration and urged him to operate an all-inclusive government, to enhance the welfare of residents.

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    The first-class monarch, yesterday in Benin, in a statement by the Secretary, Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Frank Irabor, said Okpebholo would fulfil his mandate to Edo people at home and in the diaspora.

    Oba of Benin prayed to God Almighty and the ancestors to grant the newly-inaugurated governor the wherewithal to pilot the affairs of Edo, and take the Southsouth state to higher heights.

  • Okpebholo signs reversed N486b appropriation bill into law

    Okpebholo signs reversed N486b appropriation bill into law

    The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has signed a revised Appropriation Bill into law, amounting to N485.63 billion.

    This action marks a significant initiative by the new administration to advance the implementation of developmental projects.

    The budget, approved by the Edo House of Assembly, is allocated with N202.65 billion designated for recurrent expenditure and N282.99 billion for capital projects.

    In his remarks on Monday, November 18, at the Executive Council Chamber of Government House in Benin, Okpebholo praised Edo lawmakers for their prompt passage of the bill, expressing his belief that it would establish a foundation for transformative governance.

    He said: “I want to thank you (Edo lawmakers) for your cooperation and the speedy passage of this bill. With this momentum, Edo State is set to experience remarkable development. I see a team of dedicated individuals ready to work for the betterment of our state.”

    The Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Chief Blessing Agbebaku, and the 23 other lawmakers of the state’s Assembly attended the signing ceremony.

    Agbebaku emphasised the legislature’s commitment to supporting the administration’s vision and ensuring continuity in government.

    Read Also: Okpebholo, PDP clash over road construction in Benin

    He said: “The 8th Assembly expedited the passage of this appropriation law to allow the new administration to commence its projects without delay.

    “Government is a continuum, and we are committed to fostering development for the people of Edo State.”

    The bill, presented on November 13, 2024, underwent accelerated deliberations, underscoring the collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government.

  • Okpebholo will excel as Edo governor, says Oba of Benin

    Okpebholo will excel as Edo governor, says Oba of Benin

    The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has expressed confidence that Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo will succeed, given his extensive experience as a businessman and visionary politician.

    He congratulated Okpebholo on his inauguration scheduled for November 12 and encouraged him to establish an inclusive government to improve the well-being of the state’s residents.

    In a press statement issued by Frank Irabor, Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), the first-class monarch assured that Governor Okpebholo would fulfill his mandate to the people of Edo, both at home and in the diaspora.

    Read Also: Okpebholo, PDP clash over road construction in Benin

    The Oba of Benin also prayed to God Almighty and the ancestors to grant the newly inaugurated governor the strength and capability to lead Edo and elevate the South-South state to greater heights.

  • Okpebholo: President Tinubu not happy with Edo’s current situation

    Okpebholo: President Tinubu not happy with Edo’s current situation

    Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu is dissatisfied with the current state of Edo, particularly due to the lack of sufficient infrastructural development and the absence of legacy projects.

    Governor Okpebholo promised to initiate the construction of flyovers in the state.

    He emphasised that his administration is already taking action and assured the public that President Tinubu would join him in efforts to improve Edo, which he believes will be accomplished.

    During a recent inspection in Benin, Okpebholo assessed ongoing road construction and repairs. He visited several locations, including the Upper Mission Road Extension by Aduwawa Junction, Obadan Junction, and the Benin-Auchi Expressway, to evaluate the progress made since contractors were mobilized to the sites.

    The governor acknowledged that the deteriorating conditions of Upper Mission Extension have made life difficult for residents and traders in the area.

    He reassured the community that his administration is committed to working tirelessly to repair the roads and enhance the quality of life for the people of Edo.

    Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s mandate to transform Edo and promised the residents that he would align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to improve their living conditions.

    He said: “The failed portion at Upper Mission Extension Road was terrible. Last week, I came to look at the rate of damage, as vehicles found it difficult to pass the road. Businesses and people around this area are suffering.

    “My administration is determined to solve the problem, and put smiles on the faces of the residents.”

    Edo governor also described Obadan road as very important and strategic to the state, while stressing that fixing the road, would boost commerce and industry, thereby opening up Edo for economic growth and development.

    Read Also: Okpebholo, PDP clash over road construction in Benin

    He said: “This road is very important to us. It leads to Agbor, Onitsha, and the Northern parts of the country. The road is very strategic to us as a state. It is located in Edo State, and it is important, as it will boost the economy of the state.

    “Looking at the state of roads, I have to key into Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, as we are not going to stop. We have already started working. Our mandate is to transform Edo State and make it a place that we all will be proud of. We assumed office about six days ago, and we have hit the ground running.”

    Okpebholo also assured that he would continue to work, till the end of his four-year tenure.

  • Okpebholo, PDP clash over road construction in Benin

    Okpebholo, PDP clash over road construction in Benin

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and the state’s chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday clashed over the building of 7.5-kilometre Temboga Road in Benin.

    The Publicity Secretary of Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, Chris Nehikhare, fired the first salvo in an online statement, while asking Governor Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) not to take credit for the building of the strategic road, and other projects in Edo, “initiated and completed by former Governor Obaseki.’’

    Nehikhare said: “The claim by Okpebholo that his government was launching the construction of the 7.5km Temboga Road, among others in the state, was disingenuous and misleading, as the road (Temboga) has already been constructed by the past government of Obaseki.

    “The governor should desist from his antics of rewriting the story of the performance of the Obaseki-led government, by claiming credit for his (Obaseki’s) projects. He should rather focus on delivering his campaign promises, if any, by initiating projects that reflect his administration’s vision, if any, for the state.

    “It is unfortunate that Governor Okpebholo and his administration are kicking off on a very bad footing, and have resorted to deceiving the people of Edo State with false claims of initiating projects that have already been completed by the government of his predecessor, Obaseki.

    “One of such projects is the 7.5km Temboga Road, which was initiated and constructed by the Obaseki-led government. This is preposterous and condemnable. We urge Governor Okpebholo and his administration to desist from such acts forthwith. Edo people deserve better than deceit.

    Read Also: Okpebholo names CoS, makes six appointments

    “Rather than engaging in these mendacious antics to rewrite the performance records of former governor Obaseki’s administration, we call on Senator Okpebholo to concentrate on delivering his campaign promises to Edo people, by initiating and executing his own projects that align with his administration’s vision for Edo State, if really they have any plan or developmental agenda for the state.”

    Edo governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, however, declared that Nehikhare, whom he described as a retired politician and an idle factional publicity secretary of the depleted PDP caretaker committee in Edo, had again exposed one of the many failures of the Obaseki-led administration.

    He said: “We understand that the factional chapter of the depleted PDP is in a hurry to redeem itself. The PDP-led administration, for over one year, failed to complete a mere 7.5km road (Temboga).

    “The party (PDP) is obviously pained that Governor Okpebholo is in a hurry to complete some projects abandoned or poorly done by the Obaseki administration.

    “Governor Okpebholo will not be distracted by retired politicians, who are still chasing clouts and suffering from post-election traumatic disorder.”

    Itua said Okpebholo would continue to work for Edo people, provide critical infrastructure and create economic opportunities for everyone.