Governor Okpebholo Defends UK Visit, Highlights Security and Development in Edo State

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has defended his administration’s performance during an engagement with Edo people in the United Kingdom, stating that his government remains committed to improving the lives of residents through security, infrastructure and people-oriented development.

Speaking during the London meeting, Governor Okpebholo said the priority of his administration is to make life more comfortable for every Edo citizen. He noted that members of his government work tirelessly to ensure that development projects and programmes deliver meaningful results.

According to the governor, “All we are doing is to make everyone comfortable. That is why we are always awake, making sure that the work is done.”

Governor Okpebholo also described Edo State as one of the safest states in Nigeria, saying that the administration’s efforts in strengthening security have produced visible results.

“Edo State today, a lot of people can testify, is one of the safest states in Nigeria,” the governor said.

The governor’s visit to the United Kingdom attracted criticism from opposition groups, who described the trip as a “jamboree” and questioned its value to the state.

Responding to the criticism, Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, said more than 90 per cent of those who accompanied the governor sponsored themselves to the United Kingdom.

He dismissed allegations that the trip cost the Edo State Government ₦2 billion, insisting that those who travelled were informed not to rely on government funding.

Afegbua explained that the London meeting, organised by the London Professional Training Centre, was aimed at engaging Edo people in the diaspora, updating them on developments in the state and encouraging them to remain connected with ongoing government activities.

The governor used the opportunity to assure Edo people at home and abroad that his administration would continue to prioritise security, development and policies aimed at improving the welfare of the people.

While the opposition maintains that the visit did not offer sufficient economic value, the Edo State Government insists the engagement was an important opportunity to strengthen ties with the diaspora and communicate the administration’s achievements and future plans.