… Launches economic recovery drive
… Urges collective action to end poverty, hunger
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has revealed that prolonged cult-related violence has cost the state more than $1 billion in potential investments every year, warning that the economic consequences of insecurity have been staggering.
According to him, years of unchecked violence between rival cult groups devastated Edo’s economy, led to widespread loss of life and property, and shattered investor confidence.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor lamented that the insecurity crisis had discouraged investments and crippled key sectors such as tourism, hospitality, transportation, and commerce.
Itua noted that the situation, which escalated in the five years before Okpebholo assumed office, created fear across communities and disrupted commercial activities in the state’s most economically vibrant areas.
He said that many Edo natives in the diaspora, although topping the list of Nigerians who send remittances back home, had chosen to invest in other states, leaving their homeland behind due to fears over violence and instability.
“Statistics from the Diaspora Commission show that 95% of remitted funds from Edo indigenes abroad were diverted to other states because of the insecurity.
“This loss in disposable income, the closure of businesses, and the collapse of the tourism sector severely affected the state’s economy,” Itua explained.
He added that public infrastructure and commercial hubs suffered as many business owners shut down permanently, while the state witnessed a sharp drop in visitors.
However, since Governor Okpebholo declared a total war on cultism, the narrative has begun to shift, it was reliably gathered
The government’s firm stance, backed by coordinated action and stakeholder engagement, is already yielding positive results.
Community leaders, youth organisations, and civil society groups have joined the fight to reclaim communities and end violence.
“Sanity is returning, especially to Benin City, once a hotspot for cult clashes. The restoration of peace is breathing new life into the state,” Itua stated.
Governor Okpebholo therefore called on Edo sons and daughters, both at home and abroad, to return with their investments, assuring them that their assets will be protected under his administration.
He highlighted real estate, hospitality, and agriculture as key sectors primed for growth and job creation, adding that land reforms and a revitalised investment climate will further boost investor confidence.
“Our people have the skills. The government will provide the support needed to build commercial farms, real estate projects, hotels, and other businesses,” Itua affirmed.
He stressed that while some remnants of violence remain, the administration is deploying inclusive strategies, including dialogue with community leaders and youth empowerment, to address the root causes of cultism.
The governor, through his spokesperson, reaffirmed that restoring peace and growing the economy are priorities that cannot be compromised.
“This is not a government-only battle. We are calling on every Edo citizen to join hands in taking back our communities. Governor Okpebholo is determined to ensure that violence no longer defines Edo’s destiny,” he said.
Also, Governor Okpebholo, has called on Nigerians across all walks of life to unite in the fight against poverty and hunger, describing the challenge as a shared responsibility that requires broad-based collaboration with governments at every level.
His appeal came during a rice distribution exercise at Government House, Benin City, where 13,000 10kg bags donated by the Aliko Dangote Foundation were handed out to vulnerable members of the state.
Speaking through his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Governor Okpebholo expressed deep gratitude to the Aliko Dangote Foundation for what he described as a remarkable demonstration of compassion and social responsibility.
He praised the Foundation’s nationwide initiative to distribute one million bags of rice across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, highlighting it as a significant step toward alleviating food insecurity.
Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on food security.
He noted that the state had launched the “Back to Farm” initiative, aimed at cultivating 3,000 hectares of farmland across Edo’s three senatorial districts, a programme he said was central to the government’s vision of boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring food sufficiency.
Calling on other philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians to emulate Dangote’s example, the governor stressed that sustainable solutions to hunger and poverty could only be achieved through cooperation and strategic partnerships.
He pledged that the rice distribution process in Edo would be handled with transparency and fairness, ensuring the aid reaches those who need it most.
Market women leader, Pastor Josephine Ebhaguejezele in her remarks at the event, thanked Governor Okpebholo for his inclusive approach and support to market traders, women, youths, and other vulnerable groups since assuming office.
She criticised the previous administration for hoarding similar relief items, accusing them of prioritising political allies and personal networks over the needs of ordinary citizens.
Other attendees, including Mrs. Margaret Ogun, Mrs. Patience Agharia, and Princess Judith Oshodin, also praised the governor’s integrity and people-centred policies.
They expressed strong support for his administration and expressed commitment to backing President Tinubu’s re-election campaign in 2027.
The event was attended by key government officials, including the Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Gani Audu.
