… Seeks broader collaboration
BY LUCKY EFESE
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has presented a detailed account of his administration’s achievements over the past six months, renewing optimism among citizens and calling for broader stakeholder collaboration to drive sustainable development.
The report, unveiled at a public sensitization workshop titled “Exposing the Programmes and Projects of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Administration,” was organised by the Edo State Ministry of Information and Communication.
The event aimed to provide an in-depth overview of the governor’s performance and policy direction.
In his opening remarks, Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, described the state as being at a pivotal moment in history.
He noted that despite being in office for only half a year, Governor Okpebholo had already initiated substantial reforms aimed at improving the lives of Edo residents.
He emphasised that the forum was not just an avenue to showcase progress, but a call for honest evaluation and constructive feedback from critical stakeholders.
Ohonbamu highlighted the governor’s 5-point SHINE agenda, focusing on Security, Health, Infrastructure, Natural resources, and Education as a framework that is already reshaping Edo’s governance narrative without reliance on external consultants or MOUs.
He stressed that the administration’s developmental drive required the commitment of all stakeholders to succeed, announcing that the sensitization workshops would be held quarterly going forward.
Delivering the governor’s keynote address on his behalf, the Commissioner for Finance, Engr. Emmanuel Okoebor, reaffirmed the administration’s people-centred approach.
He credited the achievements recorded so far to the overwhelming support of the people, noting that Okpebholo’s vision remains rooted in alleviating hardship through the implementation of the SHINE agenda.
Panel discussions featured senior government officials who provided sector-by-sector updates on the state’s progress.
Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, spoke on reforms in the educational sector, highlighting the renovation and technological upgrade of schools across Edo’s three senatorial districts.
He announced a tuition-free policy from primary to secondary levels, with a deferred payment scheme for students in tertiary institutions, allowing them to begin repaying school fees two years after graduation.
He also disclosed a N45,000 grant for each student in technical colleges to boost vocational education.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Olabisi Idaomi, unveiled plans to remove the elderly, destitute, and beggars from the streets and place them in sheltered facilities.
She also announced the creation of a dedicated department to tackle gender-based violence.
Functioning Permanent Secretary, the Ministry of Works, Engr. Dr. John Obanor provided updates on infrastructure projects, reporting significant progress on the Ramat Park flyover in Ikpoba Hill and the commencement of work on another flyover at Sapele Road by Adesuwa Road, adding that rehabilitation of federal bypass roads in Benin City has also been prioritised.
Hon. Jerry Idahosa, Executive Secretary of the Edo State Emergency Management Agency, noted that over half of the governor’s disaster preparedness goals have been met.
He lauded Okpebholo’s proactive approach to emergency response and risk mitigation.
On transportation and agriculture, Ohonbamu disclosed that the state had procured 100 new interstate buses to revitalise the moribund Edo Line, now rebranded as “New Edo Line,” alongside the acquisition of six tractors to enhance food production in all senatorial districts.
Security remains a major focus, with the administration implementing reforms to combat cultism, establish conflict resolution mechanisms, deploy advanced tracking technologies, and restructure the Edo State Security Corps through closer cooperation with federal agencies.
