…as Okpebholo takes over reins of government

The people of Edo State, the Heartbeat of the Nation, are in great expectation as Senator Monday Okpebholo takes charge of the affairs of the state from the outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The Senator, who ran on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared winner of the September 21, 2024 governorship election in the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after he scored the highest number of votes to defeat his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The expectations of Edo people stem from the promises made by Senator Okpebholo, who hails from Udomi Community in Uwesan-Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, during the electioneering campaign. The senator, who said his governorship ambition was driven by a desire to address infrastructure challenges, insecurity, and transform key sectors such as education, health, and agriculture in Edo State, had anchored his campaign on three major planks of security and social welfare, massive development, and opportunities for all.
According to an 8-page campaign document, which outlined his plans for the state, Okpebholo said his incoming government would enhance law enforcement and crime prevention measures by implementing a comprehensive strategy that includes increased police presence in high-crime areas, enhanced surveillance systems, and collaboration with relevant agencies to combat crime syndicates; strengthening emergency response capabilities by equipping and training firefighters to effectively handle fire incidents and other emergencies, and recruiting and training more local vigilante groups in conflict resolution, self-defence, and law enforcement procedures.

In the document titled ‘The Manifesto’, copies of which were publicly available during the campaign, Okpebholo promised to provide the vigilante groups with better incentives, funding, and necessary equipment for effectiveness in complementing law enforcement activities, as well as establish a collaborative framework between law enforcement agencies and vigilante groups to ensure effective coordination and information sharing, contributing to safer communities across Edo State.

In the area of health, Okpebholo said he would improve access to healthcare services and facilities by upgrading existing healthcare facilities and establishing new clinics and health centres in underserved communities, and by providing free or subsidised healthcare services for pregnant women, children under five, and the elderly.

In order to promote social inclusion and address poverty alleviation, he said his government would implement poverty alleviation programmes such as micro-finance schemes, agricultural support programmes, and skills training initiatives to empower marginalised communities and reduce income inequality. He also promised to launch awareness campaigns and sensitization programmes to promote social cohesion and combat discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.

Okpebholo said he would strengthen community policing initiatives by establishing community policing forums in every local government area, with active participation from residents, traditional leaders, and law enforcement agencies to foster trust and cooperation in crime prevention efforts. He also promised to implement social welfare programmes to support vulnerable groups.
“To fortify our security efforts, the Edo State government will establish an Edo State security Trust Fund. This fund will help enhance law enforcement capabilities, support community policing, and provide vital training and equipment for local vigilante groups,” Okpebholo said.

“In addition, the initiative will create a sustainable pool of resources dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all our citizens. With transparent management and effective allocation of this resource, we will bolster our security infrastructure and empower communities to actively participate in crime prevention efforts,” he said.

The incoming governor in the document promised massive development in the areas of infrastructure (roads, bridges, and transportation), industrialization and job creation, sustainable environmental management and conservation, urban and rural development, among others.

In the area of infrastructure development, Okpebholo said his government would undertake major road construction projects to connect rural communities with urban centres and facilitate the movement of goods and people, and rehabilitate existing small bridges and construct new ones to improve connectivity and enhance transportation networks.

Under industrialization and job creation, he said his government would attract private sector investment through incentives such as tax breaks and infrastructure support to establish industries and manufacturing plants, as well as create job opportunities through public works projects, agricultural value chain development, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

To manage and conserve the environment sustainably, Okpebholo promised to implement waste management programmes to reduce pollution and promote recycling and composting, and also protect natural resources through reforestation, watershed management, and wildlife conservation initiatives.

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The incoming government promised to implement urban renewal projects to upgrade infrastructure in urban areas, including the construction of modern markets, recreational facilities, and affordable housing units, as well as facilitate agricultural development and support small-scale farmers through irrigation schemes, access to credit, and extension services in rural areas.

It promised to invest in education and skills development. In this regard, the government said it would build new schools and renovate existing ones to provide quality education for all children, with a focus on teacher training and curriculum improvement. It further said it would establish vocational training centres and technical colleges to equip youths with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

“To propel massive development, our government will implement concrete measures to overhaul infrastructure, education, and industry. We will initiate public-private partnerships to accelerate progress and focus investments on critical sectors,” Okpebholo said.

“By upgrading roads, bridges, and transportation networks, we will enhance connectivity and spur economic growth. Investing in education and skills development will equip our workforce for the demands of tomorrow’s industries.

“Furthermore, we will prioritize industrialization initiatives to create jobs and drive economic diversification. Together, these actions will lay the foundation for a prosperous and sustainable future for Edo State,” he said.

Okpebholo said his government would promote economic diversification and entrepreneurship; expand access to affordable housing and land ownership opportunities; support agribusiness ventures, agro-processing industries, and value-added agricultural products to diversify the economy and create employment opportunities; encourage innovation and technology-driven enterprises through incubation centres, startup funding, and mentorship programmes; encourage youth empowerment and engagement; support women’s empowerment initiatives and gender equality programmes, and foster inclusive governance and participatory decision-making processes.

To expand access to affordable housing and land ownership opportunities, Okpebholo said his government would implement housing schemes and mortgage financing programmes to make home ownership more accessible to low and middle-income earners; facilitate the acquisition of land titles and property rights for individuals and communities, with a focus on addressing land disputes and ensuring tenure security, and partner with private developers and housing cooperatives to construct affordable housing units and rental accommodations in urban and peri-urban areas.

The incoming governor said he would establish youth development centres and recreational facilities to provide a platform for skills acquisition, talent development, and civic engagement, as well as create youth-focused initiatives such as sport leagues, cultural festivals, and community service projects to foster leadership and social responsibility.
To support women’s empowerment initiatives, Okpebholo’s incoming government promised to implement policies and programmes to promote gender equality and eliminate discrimination against women in all spheres of life, including education, employment, and political participation.

The government further promised to provide training and capacity-building programmes for women entrepreneurs to enhance their skills and access to markets, finance, and technology; establish women’s empowerment centers and safe spaces to provide support services, counselling, and legal assistance for victims of gender-based violence; and promote women’s leadership and representation in decision-making processes at all levels of government and ensure the implementation of gender-responsive policies and budgets.

In the area of inclusive governance and participatory decision-making processes, Okpebholo said his government would establish town hall meetings and stakeholder consultations at the local, senatorial and state levels to solicit inputs from citizens on policy formulation and implementation.

The incoming governor promised to ensure equitable representation and allocation of resources across the three senatorial districts through transparent budgeting processes and grassroots development projects.

“Importantly, we appreciate the contributions of Edos in the Diaspora to our GDP. As a result, we shall establish a Diaspora desk in government through which we will open a database for them. Thereafter, we will constructively engage and collaborate with them in achieving specific objectives such as the opportunity of creating a Diaspora Bond for the overall benefit of our people. To add, we will encourage them to visit and return home, and provide adequate security for them and their investments,” Okpebholo said.

“To ensure opportunities for all, our government is committed to fostering economic diversity, youth and women engagement for the purpose of achieving an inclusive government. We will actively promote entrepreneurship by providing grants and loans to aspiring business owners, while offering training and mentorship programs to enhance their skills and capabilities,” he said.