Tag: Okpebholo

• Panel submits APC primary election report to Yilwatda

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Osun State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has said the “State of the Living Springs” is eager to have the party at the helm of affairs next year.

Okpebholo, who is also the Edo State governor, said this while submitting the report of his committee to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

He said: “Osun people are eager for change. They are tired of motion without development. What we saw was a strong desire for real governance.”

The committee chairman described the assignment as a defining experience, stressing that the committee witnessed overwhelming unity, enthusiasm and popular support for the party’s candidate across Osun State.

The Osun State primary was conducted by a high-powered committee, underscoring the party’s commitment to transparency, credibility and internal democracy.

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Okpebholo expressed appreciation to the party’s leadership for the confidence reposed in the committee.

Yilwatda received the report alongside the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru; the National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu; and the Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru.

Yilwatda praised the committee for a job well executed.

The APC national chairman said the atmosphere during the primary was celebratory and peaceful.

He assured the committee that the report would be presented to the Party Caucus and the National Executive Committee (NEC) immediately.

“What you have submitted gives us something cheery to present to NEC. Your sacrifice, even at short notice, is deeply appreciated,” he said.

The national chairman said the strategic importance of Osun State, calling for massive mobilisation to secure a decisive victory.

Yilwatda noted the cordial collaboration between APC governors and the party, stressing that such synergy would be key to reclaiming Osun State for the APC.

Former Kogi State governor and committee member, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, also praised the party’s leadership.

He described the consensus process as instrumental to the committee’s success.

The former governor stressed that the Osun State governorship election, being the last major poll before the 2027 general election, is critical to the party’s national momentum.

“The APC must go to the field and deliver Osun. My support for the party is total and unwavering,” he said.

Senator Basiru expressed confidence in the party’s victory, declaring that the current Osun administration has been given a “yellow card” and would receive a “red card” at the poll.

The committee’s secretary is Solomon Maren, while other members include the governors of Ondo, Nasarawa, Delta, and Lagos states.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has presented a budget proposal of N939,850,000,000 for the 2026 fiscal year.

The 2026 budget is N335bn higher than the 2025 budget which was N606bn.

Tagged Budget of Hope and Growth, Governor Okpebholo said it sought to consolidate on the gains recorded during his first year in office, expand reach, and restore hope of Edo people in governance. 

Governor Okpebholo said 2026 Budget will speak to the needs of Edo people as well as focused on security, infrastructure, agriculture, education, job creation and healthcare.

The 2026 capital expenditure, according to the Governor is ₦637 billion, representing 68% while recurrent dxpenditure is ₦302 billion, representing 32%.

He said the state planned to fund the budget from N160bn to be gotten from Internally Generated Revenue, N480bn from FAAC allocations, N153bn from Capital receipts and grants while N146bn would be gotten from Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

On sectoral allocations, the economic sector got N614.2 billion, social sector got N148.9bn, administrative sector got N157.7bn while the justice sector got N19bn.

According to Governor Okpebholo, “Edo State will continue to prioritize capital projects such as roads, schools, hospitals, water, housing, and economic projects. Our people want real development they can see and feel. 

“We will not impose unnecessary financial pressure on citizens. Instead, we will strengthen systems and block leakages.

“The vision of the 2026 Budget of Hope and Growth is simple; it is to bring about prosperity and a united Edo State where every citizen has hope and every community feels the impact of governance.”

Speaker of the Edo Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, assured the Governor that the budget would be given speedy passage.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, said his administration has commenced the process of procuring multifunctional drones with good capabilities with a view to tackle insecurity.

Governor Okpebholo, who reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to securing the lives and property of Edo citizens, spoke in Benin City when he received new Commander of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, General Ahmed Olatunboju Balogun.

Governor Okpebholo assured the Nigerian Army of his administration’s full cooperation and continuous support in the fight against insecurity and other crimes.

The Edo Governor encouraged the new commander to communicate any operational challenges requiring his intervention.

According to him, “Let me welcome you to Edo. In truth, we had a very good relationship with the outgoing commander, and I believe we will continue from where he stopped. The security and protection of the people and properties of Edo State are very important to us. I want you to know that we are going to work with you wholeheartedly to ensure Edo remains secure.

“You talked about school, hospital, and road. These are areas we are already working on. In the next few days, you will see improvements around the office. At the Ekenwa Barracks, we are taking the road project to Gele-Gele, spanning about 36km. In that vicinity, you can see the good work already ongoing.

“In the area of drones, we are procuring multifunctional ones with good capabilities. Very soon, we will deliver on that. I want you to help us secure a new Edo, free from insecurity,” he added.

On his part, Brigadier General Balogun pledged to consolidate the existing cooperation between the military and the Edo state government.

“My predecessor spoke highly of the support received from the Edo State Government, which has greatly aided our professional duty. I will build on this cooperation and take it to the next level. My passion is to work towards making Edo State safer, ensuring citizens sleep with both eyes closed and go about their businesses without fear,” he said.

The commander appealed for the completion of the Ekenwa Barracks road, the stalled renovation of the brigade school, and the need for drones to enhance technological-driven operations.

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has appointment visually-challenged female lawyer identified as Kindness Ikponwonsa Idahosa.

Idahosa was appointed as a Law Officer in the Ministry of Justice.

Her appointment, according to Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo, Ebojele Patrick, underscored the administration’s commitment to inclusion, equal opportunity and genuine empowerment of persons with disabilities.

The statement said the state was intentional about creating pathways for talented and hardworking citizens, regardless of their physical limitations.

It said Idahosa’s journey reflected resilience and an uncommon triumph over adversity. 

Idahosa was diagnosed with Hereditary Sensory Neuropathy, a debilitating spinal condition, which forced her to drop out of school in JSS 3 and remained at home for thirteen years.

 The Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities intervened in her predicament and sponsored her education.

She studied Law at the University of Benin where she graduated with a Second Class Upper Division in 2023 and proceeded to the Nigerian Law School in 2024 before she was called to the Nigerian Bar in September 2025.

Ebojele said Okpebholo’s approval of her employment remained a strong example of his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusion and practical support for Edo citizens striving against the odds.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has condemned narratives which portrayed the state as being hostile to investors.

Governor Okpebholo said such narratives were misleading and satanic.

He said Edo remained a prime destination for agricultural investment.

The Edo Governor spoke when he received management team of Presco PLC, led by its Chairman, Mr. Rasheed Sarumi, and the Managing Director, Mr. Raji George, who were on a courtesy visit to Government House, Benin City.

He assured Presco PLC of his administration’s support even as he dismissed recent controversies surrounding portions of land for revocation.

Governor Okpebholo said Presco has been a long-standing partner in Edo State’s agricultural development.

He said his administration preferred dialogue rather than speculation or misinformation whenever there were issues.

Governor Okpebholo, who reaffirmed his commitment to agricultural expansion, said he increased budgetary allocation in the agricultural sector from ₦5bn to ₦70bn, an action, he said, showed his administration’s determination to drive food security and agro-industrial growth.

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His words, “Presco to me has been here for a very long time. Just a few days ago, there was a misunderstanding which I believe someone tried to politicise. There was nothing in it. There were reasons tied to natural resources why certain areas were reviewed.

“If I have anything against you, I will call you. Last time I received complaints from communities on compensation, I called your MD immediately because I believe in addressing issues directly.

“Agricultural revolution is the best way to go, and it aligns perfectly with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. For food security, we must grow what we eat and export what we grow. Edo has fertile land, and your investment here is not a waste.”

Reacting to claims of being hostile to investors, Okpebholo said, “I am an investor myself. I cannot be the one sending investors away. That impression is completely wrong. You are here by the grace of God, and you will prosper here.”

Presco Chairman Mr. Rasheed Sarumi, said the Governor’s provision for a stable governance structure, improved security, and an enabling environment led to $100 million Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by SIAT and its parent company into Presco’s operations.

He said the investment was historic and the first of its kind in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Rasheed stated that Nigeria received only $250 million in FDI this year, making Presco’s share a significant boost to the national economy.