HOW GOVERNOR OKPEBHOLO IS HUMBLING HIS CRITICS -Kassim Afegbua

Governor Monday Okpebholo has continued to demonstrate a steady and focused approach to governance in Edo State, earning increasing recognition from residents and observers. His calm leadership style—marked by humility, accountability, and practical engagement—has drawn attention across the state as he works systematically to fulfil his commitments.

Across Edo South, Edo Central, and Edo North, significant development activities are underway. Road construction, rehabilitation of schools, upgrades to primary healthcare facilities, water projects, security improvements, and agricultural interventions are giving the state the look and feel of a large, coordinated worksite. Many Edo people have expressed appreciation for the pace of work and have shown interest in understanding how these projects are being financed, particularly as the administration has yet to take on new loans despite inherited obligations.

Education Sector Improvements

The administration has prioritised the education sector, focusing on strengthening institutions and improving learning environments. Recent reforms have redirected resources toward schools and state-owned universities to enhance their capacity.

Key actions include:

• Increasing the monthly subvention to Ambrose Alli University from N41 million to N500 million.

• Introducing a monthly allocation of N250 million to Edo University, Uzairue, which previously did not receive subvention.

In addition, public schools are being provided with new furniture, improved security through perimeter fencing, modern water system toilet facilities, and additional teaching staff. These efforts reflect an intention to create more conducive environments for teaching and learning, a development welcomed by many stakeholders in the education community.

Strengthening Primary Healthcare

The health sector is another priority area. The state government has completed 60 new Primary Healthcare Centres across the three senatorial districts, forming part of a broader plan to deliver 146 PHCs across all local government areas. These centres are being equipped to ensure they can provide effective services to local communities.

Plans are also underway to resume work on the Stella Obasanjo Hospital after years of inactivity. The administration is working to address outstanding commitments while advancing the completion of the facility.

Road Infrastructure Progress

The state’s road network is receiving significant attention, with a number of major projects at various stages of completion. These include:

• Flyovers at Ramat Park and Adesuwa Junction in Benin City

• The Temboga Road link from Upper Mission to the Benin By-pass

• Uromi–Udomi Road

• The completed Kakumo Road

• Ongoing reconstruction of the Auchi–Igarra Road

• The Iruekpen–Sabongida Road project

These initiatives aim to improve transportation, support economic activities, and enhance connectivity across the state. The upcoming dry season is expected to further aid the pace of construction.

A Gradual Rebuilding Process

Governor Okpebholo continues to address outstanding projects and obligations inherited by the administration, working to complete them while managing the state’s finances responsibly. The steady progress across sectors has contributed to renewed optimism among many Edo residents, both at home and in the diaspora.

As the year draws to a close, the ongoing projects signal continued opportunities for development and improved service delivery in the months ahead.

Prince Kassim Afegbua
Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Edo State