Tinubu’s Reforms Driving Development, Says Okpebholo as Edo Rebuilds Ekpoma Shops, Compensates Fire Victims

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria, stating that the President’s bold economic reforms are already yielding tangible development across the country.

The governor made the remarks in Ekpoma and Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, during the inauguration of ward and local government coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, alongside a defection rally that saw members of opposition parties join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking at the event held at Eguare Public Field in Irrua, Okpebholo said the removal of fuel subsidy—an action previous administrations avoided—has freed up resources now being deployed for development nationwide.

“That is the money we are using to work all over Nigeria today,” he said, noting that the policy reflects the President’s strong belief in Nigeria’s future and long-term prosperity.

He revealed that a known critic of the subsidy removal policy was recently taken on a tour of ongoing projects in Edo State and was convinced after seeing how the funds were being utilized. The governor added that more independent observers, including Reuben Abati of Arise Television, would be invited to assess projects in the state.

Reaffirming Edo State’s political support for President Tinubu, Okpebholo said the state is prepared to deliver 2.7 million votes in his favour.

The rally also witnessed the defection of key political figures from opposition parties, including Senator Clifford Ordia, Hon. Joe Edionwele, Chief Clifford (aka Cliff Sandra), and Mrs. Ihenyen, among others from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP).

Meanwhile, in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, the governor fulfilled his promise to victims of the January fire incident by officially handing over newly reconstructed Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) shops destroyed during the unrest.

He also presented cheques of ₦8 million each to affected shop owners to support the rebuilding of their businesses and livelihoods.

Recalling the incident, Okpebholo said he received news of the fire around 3 a.m. and departed Abuja by 4 a.m., arriving in Ekpoma later that morning to assess the situation firsthand. He described the destruction as the work of “evil men” who targeted shops, billboards, and private property in an attempt to disrupt peace in the community.

“Today, it is a different story,” the governor said, noting that the reconstruction of the shops marks a significant step toward restoring economic activities and normalcy in the area.

He added that President Tinubu monitored the Ekpoma crisis via social media, demonstrating the Presidency’s attention to developments across the country.

Dignitaries at the event included the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; members of the State Assembly; party leaders; and other stakeholders.

The inauguration of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and the defection exercise were conducted by the Edo State APC Deputy Chairman and State Coordinator of the group, Sylvester Aigboboh, alongside National Assembly members and other party leaders.