With less than one month into the administration of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Executive governor of Edo State, Edo people have heaved a sigh of relief as a new Edo has indeed risen.
Governor Okpebholo in his inaugural speech on Tuesday 12 November, 2024, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, revealed his five points agenda to turn Edo State around and bring back the lost glory of the state. The five points agenda which the governor pledged to implement to the latter includes Security, Infrastructure, Healthcare, food sufficiency and education.
Governor Okpebholo statement partly reads “Our citizens are a top priority for us. To achieve this, we shall implement programmes carefully outlined in my five-point agenda, designed to grow robust economic growth and improve the lives of our people.
“We will not betray this confidence you have reposed in me and the Deputy Governor, Rt. Honourable Dennis Idahosa.
However, to the surprise of every Edolites, the People’s action governor hit the ground running right from the very first day he was sworn into office and in less than one month of being at the helm of affairs of Edo State, Governor Okpebholo has touched on his five points agenda.
SECURITY
Immediately after resuming office, Governor Okpebholo who pledged to be firm in dealing with criminals swiftly declared war on cultism and other violent crimes following the incessant killings across Benin City and other parts of the state. The governor also lifted the ban imposed on Edo State Security Network (Vigilante Group) by the Inspector General of Police prior to the September 21 governorship election and thereafter setup the Edo Security Corps.
The governor in a statement on November 29, 2024, through his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Fred Itua, said the decision was informed by his administration’s resolved to fortify security architecture in the state.
“However, with the successful conduct of the gubernatorial election, the Edo State Government has deemed it necessary to reinstate the Security Corps.
“This move aims to bolster the state’s security apparatus and ensure the safety of its citizens.
“As part of the reinstatement process, all returning officers are required to report to the office of the State Corps Commander or their respective zonal offices (North, Central, South) of the Corps.
“This directive aims to ensure a seamless transition and the effective deployment of the Security Corps.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Infrastructure development is one of the five points agenda of Governor Okpebholo. The governor has equally moved into action to ameliorate the deplorable state of the dilapidated roads across Edo State.
In a record breaking event, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, November 19th, 2024, flagged off construction of a flyover bridge at Ramat Park, Benin City, the Edo State capital. This groundbreaking move by Governor Okpebholo is aimed at reducing traffic congestion that have greeted Ramat Park and environs which is a gateway to the northern and eastern part of the country.
Okpebholo in his speech at the flag off ceremony said: “I warmly welcome you to the Ground breaking and flag-off ceremony of the construction of the Ramat Park Flyover here in Benin city.
“We have gathered to witness the beginning of a very important project that will transform the economy and social fortunes of our capital city and indeed Edo state. Ramat Park is a gateway to Benin city and other parts of the country.
“Therefore, Ramat Park Fly-Over will provide a new lease of life for motorists in Benin City and communities along these two corridors; the Benin-Auchi Expressway and the Benin-Asaba Expressway.
“During our campaigns a few months ago, I specifically promised to construct fly-overs to ease transportation and reduce the traffic gridlock in our city. Today, one week into my administration, we are here to fulfil that promise and deliver the dividends of democracy.
“This is the first flyover we are constructing and we are going to construct more. There will be one by Dawson Road junction and another one by Sapele Road/Adesuwa Road junction.
“Benin City was the first capital city of Africa when Europeans first came to the continent in the 14th century. So, we must give the city a befitting facelift to also encourage the development of tourism.
“Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the Speaker and other honourable members of the House of Assembly for their cooperation. To the contractor, CCECC Nigeria Limited, we look forward to seeing you work day and night to meet the 18-month completion period.
“Let me assure Edo people that in the execution of this project, my administration will abide by all relevant laws.
“To our motorists here, please bear with us, as you also make some sacrifices by being patient with the contractors throughout the next 18 months.”
Similarly, Governor Okpebholo has also ordered contractors back to site in areas such as Temboga road, Upper mission axis and the Benin-Auchi road.
HEALTHCARE
Since inception of office, Governor Okpebholo has taken several steps to overhaul and reposition the health sector in the state to deliver efficient and effective quality service to the people of Edo State.
The governor on Wednesday November 20th, 2024, dissolved the management staff of Edo Specialist Hospital and Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Benin City with immediate effect.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
The statement reads “It is hereby announced for the information of the General Public that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the disengagement of the Management Staff of Edo Specialist Hospital and Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Benin City with immediate effect.
“In view of the above, the Management Staff of the aforementioned hospitals are to hand over all Government properties in their possession to the most senior officer in their various Institutions.”
Also, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, inspected the ongoing construction work at the Stella Obasanjo Hospital, where he described the work done at the hospital by the immediate past administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki as a sham.
Okpebholo stated that construction at the hospital remains incomplete and critical equipment is yet to be procured.
Speaking during an inspection of the facility on Tuesday evening alongside Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, and Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, Okpebholo promised to address the structural defects and ensure the hospital serves the people effectively.
FOOD SUFFICIENCY
In the area of food sufficiency, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has taken steps to address the rising cost of living and prices of food items in Edo State.
The governor has taken a firm stand in addressing insecurity which has been a major bane from allowing farmers to access their farm lands due to the incessant killings and kidnapping that have ravaged most communities across the state.
Governor Okpebholo has also taken steps to address the bad conditions of major roads that lead to rural communities which has hindered farmers from moving their produce from the farm to the market.
The governor on Wednesday November 20th, 2024 rose up to address the rising cost of food items in the state by suspending all activities of market unions and associations across the state.
He said their actions had led to an astronomical rise in the prices of staple food in the state, thereby making life unbearable for the common man.
EDUCATION
Right from the very first day His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was sworn into office as the Governor of Edo State, he has made it clear that education is one of his top priorities.
Governor Okpebholo in a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Wednesday November 20th, 2024, dissolved the governing councils of all state owned tertiary institutions.
He said “It is hereby announced for the information of the General Public that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the dissolution of the Governing Councils of all State-owned Tertiary Institutions in Edo State with immediate effect.
“Accordingly, all affected members of the Governing Councils of all State-owned Tertiary Institutions are to hand over all Government properties in their possession to their respective Heads of the Institutions.
Governor Okpebholo has since appointed a governing council for Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma and also announced a monthly subvention of N500 million for the institution.
The governor equally on Monday December 2nd, 2024, approved the immediate reinstatement of Staffs of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma who were unlawfully disengaged from the service of the institution by the defunct Special Intervention Team (S.I.T) in March 2023, under the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki following their agitation over the non payment of their salaries and their allowances.
Governor Okpebholo has also appointed Dr Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu as the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), so as to address the issues that have affected basic education in the state in the previous administration.
Similarly, Governor Okpebholo, in company of the Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Paddy Iyamu, and other top government functionaries, visited Eweka Primary School, Obazagbon; Oroma Primary School, Amagba; Amagba Secondary School and Uyiosa Primary School, Uzebu; all in Oredo Local Government.
During the visit, the governor frowned at the dilapidated structures and poor sanitary, security and learning conditions at the schools. He promised to rehabilitate the schools with modern equipment and state of the art facilities.
FINAL THOUGHT
His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Executive Governor of Edo State has demonstrated exemplary leadership and has broken records in less than one month in office as governor of Edo State.
The bold step taking by Governor Okpebholo to restore the full statutory right of the Oba of Benin and conceded all returned artefacts to the palace, has generated several commendations from Edolites both at home and in diaspora, various stakeholders and appreciation from the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.
