BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has moved decisively to reverse what his administration describes as years of developmental decay, recording significant gains across infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security within 18 months in office.
The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, disclosed this at a press conference in Benin City, where he briefed journalists on the administration’s achievements so far.
Afegbua said the current trajectory of development in Edo State offers renewed hope, noting that the governor has approached leadership with purpose and delivered tangible dividends of democracy.
“In the last 18 months, we can beat our chest and say this administration has done so much to advance critical infrastructure in the state,” he said.
“Governor Okpebholo has intervened in arresting the rot we inherited. He has confronted developmental challenges in a manner that provides solutions to underdevelopment, infrastructural decay, poor healthcare facilities and other systemic issues.”
He stressed that the administration’s achievements are visible and not based on propaganda, urging media practitioners to verify projects across the state.
Afegbua disclosed that construction of the first flyover at Ramat Park is nearing completion, while work has commenced on another at Adesuwa Junction along Sapele Road.
He added that the government is also fixing the long-neglected Sapele Road, previously abandoned with a disclaimer sign attributing responsibility to the Federal Government.
“We are going to complete the road very soon,” he assured.
The commissioner further highlighted ongoing work on the Ekenwan-Gelegele Road, urging journalists to inspect the quality of construction.
He said the government is accelerating road projects during the dry season.
Across Edo Central, he noted that multiple road projects are underway, including the Ekpoma-Uromi road, which is about 95 percent completed, while Ileh Road has been completed and work continues on Irrua Township roads.
In Edo North, Afegbua said asphalting has commenced in Ibilo, while repair works between Ikpeshi and Igarra have made the route motorable.
On education, he said the administration has undertaken widespread rehabilitation of dilapidated schools across the state.
“Previously, we had schools without chairs, blown-off roofs, and no toilet facilities. Today, the narrative has changed,” he said.
He listed institutions such as Army Day Secondary School, New Era College, and Edo Girls among those impacted, adding that nearly 80 schools have been improved since the administration’s first anniversary.
Afegbua also noted that the state government held its retreat within Edo, specifically in Udomi, where a state-of-the-art facility was built, rather than spending public funds outside the state.
In the health sector, he revealed that the number of primary healthcare centres constructed by the administration has risen from 60 at its one-year mark to 75, with a target of 160 centres across the 18 local government areas within four years.
He added that many of the centres have been equipped to deliver immediate healthcare services, especially in rural communities.
The commissioner said that work has resumed on the Stella Obasanjo Hospital, which was inherited at 55 percent completion, with plans to reach a significant stage by November or December this year. He also noted ongoing improvements at the state’s specialist hospital.
Afegbua disclosed that the government recently provided equipment to all 18 local government chairmen to facilitate rural road development and improve access to remote communities.
He also announced the establishment of a Rapid Response Agency dedicated to road maintenance, particularly pothole repairs, noting that the agency has already commenced operations with newly procured equipment.
In employment, the commissioner said the administration has recruited about 6,500 teachers into the state civil service and approximately 1,000 health workers under the Edo State Health Management Board, with plans for further recruitment.
“We are applying practical governance to ensure the people feel the impact,” he said.
He added that the governor flagged off new projects at Edo University, Iyamho, including a fitness centre, and committed N2 billion to infrastructure development, alongside an increase in the institution’s subvention to N250 million.
Afegbua said the government also allocated N1 billion for student bursaries and another N1 billion in interest-free loans to support traders.
On commerce, he disclosed that Oba Market is about 85 percent completed, with similar progress at Ekpoma and Jattu markets.
He called on residents to sustain tax compliance to boost the state’s internally generated revenue.
On security, Afegbua said the administration has recorded notable success in reducing kidnapping through deliberate measures, adding that local government chairmen have been directed to collaborate with security agencies to sustain the momentum.
