Edo Government Debunks GDP Misconceptions, Reaffirms Okpebholo’s Commitment To Graduate Empowerment

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The Edo State Government has moved to dispel misleading narratives currently circulating about the Edo State Graduate Development Programme (GDP), providing accurate details and reaffirming Governor Monday Okpebholo’s unwavering commitment to youth development and public service excellence.

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called on Nigerians to embrace active lifestyles, community engagement, and the unifying power of sports, describing them as critical drivers of national health, peace, and cohesion. Governor Okpebholo made the call on Saturday through his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, during the flag-off of the 2025 Olympic Day Celebration at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. This year’s theme, “Let’s Move Together for Health and Active Community,” marked the annual global commemoration of the birth of the modern Olympic movement, inspired by Pierre de Coubertin. While traditionally observed on June 23 globally, Nigeria marked it on June 28. Representing the Governor, Deputy Governor Idahosa described the Olympic Day as a reminder of the transformative power of sports, urging citizens to prioritize physical activity and social inclusion. “Olympic Day serves as an ideal occasion to move. Sport fortifies both our mind and body, promotes well-being, and inspires us to dream. It ignites joy and fosters unity,” Idahosa stated. He emphasized that beyond physical fitness, sports foster social bonds and a collective sense of purpose, transcending cultural, social, and political divides. “This day is more than a celebration, it is a movement. It reminds us that no matter our background or pace, we belong to one global sporting family,” he added. Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, reiterated the inclusive spirit of the Olympic Day, stressing that it was less about competition and more about participation, unity, and shared values. “This run is not about who finishes first, but about showing up, staying active, and embracing togetherness, equality, and resilience,” Enabulele noted. He commended sponsors, volunteers, and participants, describing their enthusiasm as a strong endorsement of the ideals of health, peace, and sportsmanship. The event featured over 300 athletes budding and elite including notable figures like Nigerian swimmer Rachael Tonjor, who competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and 1972 Olympic boxing bronze medalist Isaac Ikhuoria. The early morning fitness run kicked off from the Main Bowl of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium at about 8:00 AM, moving through Ekehuan Road, Oba Ovonramwen Square, Plymouth Road, Akenzua Street, and back to the stadium. Residents and motorists lined the designated routes, cheering as participants including Edo State Sports Commission cyclists performing choreographed displays jogged past. The celebration climaxed with the presentation of certificates of participation to the Deputy Governor and other participants, reinforcing the day’s inclusive, festive, and symbolic spirit.

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Upon assuming office in November 2024, Governor Okpebholo gave immediate approval for the continuation of the Graduate Development Programme — a landmark initiative designed to attract first-class graduates of Edo origin from both within Nigeria and the diaspora into the State’s public service, targeting graduates from 2020 to date.

As part of a bold upgrade introduced by the Governor, successful enrollees under the GDP are now entitled to full government sponsorship for master’s degree programmes — covering tuition fees and monthly stipends — ahead of their official absorption into the State workforce.

This progressive enhancement reflects the administration’s deliberate strategy to build a highly skilled and future-ready civil/public service, ensuring that these top-performing graduates return better equipped for effective service delivery.

In line with public service regulations, new entrants typically must complete two years of service before qualifying for in-service training. However, Governor Okpebholo, in a display of empathy and foresight, waived this requirement for GDP enrollees. He reasoned that academic advancement should not be stifled and even offered to personally fund tuition and stipends if legal frameworks prevented government sponsorship.

Following the Governor’s approval for Cohort 3 recruitment in November 2024, a comprehensive application process was undertaken, culminating in the issuance of appointment letters to successful candidates by February 2025.

During subsequent engagements with enrollees, it was discovered that several candidates had already obtained their master’s degrees. On receiving this update, Governor Okpebholo immediately directed that those candidates resume duty without delay, starting Monday, 24th June 2025. Some have since resumed, while others will proceed with their postgraduate studies under the government’s sponsorship.

Candidates yet to secure admission offers for postgraduate programmes have been advised to submit their admission letters to the Office of the Head of Service for necessary processing once received.

The Edo State Government reaffirmed that the Graduate Development Programme remains firmly on track and continues to enjoy the Governor’s personal attention, with a clear focus on building a knowledge-driven, resilient, and people-centered public service.

The government also appealed to members of the media to verify all information regarding the GDP and other public service initiatives directly with the Office of the Head of Service to ensure balanced, factual, and responsible reporting.

The government expressed confidence that under Governor Okpebholo’s watch, the GDP and other civil service reforms will achieve unprecedented milestones, creating new opportunities for Edo’s brightest graduates while strengthening the state’s governance architecture.

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