Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has approved a large-scale recruitment of youths into the State Civil Service as part of his administration’s strategy to curb unemployment and accelerate development across the state.
Announcing the initiative at the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally for the August 16, 2025 Edo Central Senatorial by-election in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, the Governor said his commitment to service is driven by a deep love for his people.
“If I do not develop my home, no one else will develop it,” Okpebholo declared, outlining a series of development projects in Edo Central.
These include the construction of an ultra-modern market in Irrua, the dualization of the Ekpoma–Ubiaja road, and the extension of a 33kV power line to tackle erratic electricity supply in the area.
Recalling his short but impactful tenure as a Senator, he credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support for the ongoing reconstruction of the Benin–Auchi–Okene road.
He urged the people to back Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, describing the President as “a leader who loves Edo State.”
In addition, the Governor directed the Commissioner for Education to commence immediate renovation of Eguare-Ugbegun Primary School in Ward 10.
He thanked the people of Irrua for their steadfast support during his senatorial and governorship campaigns, commending them for resisting electoral malpractice.
“My coming here is just to thank you and tell you that I am ready to serve and work for our people. You resisted rigging, and we won very well,” he said.
Okpebholo disclosed that he had instructed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Musa Ikhilor, to facilitate the recruitment exercise.
“We are going to massively employ our young people. Creating employment for our youths is the best thing we can do for them,” he assured.
The rally drew several APC stakeholders, including the SSG, Umar Musa Ikhilor Esq.; Edo Central Senatorial leader, General Cecil Isekhaigbe (rtd.); APC State Deputy Chairman, Sylvester Aigboboh; and the party’s senatorial candidate, Hon. Joseph Ikpea.
The event formed part of the APC’s mobilization efforts ahead of the August 16 senatorial by-election.
