Gov. Okpebholo unveils five-point agenda for Edo’s development

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has unveiled a five-point agenda focused on security, infrastructure, healthcare, food sufficiency, and education as part of his vision for the state’s development.

The governor, who was sworn in as the 6th civilian governor of Edo on Tuesday, made the pledge in his inaugural speech, outlining plans to tackle pressing issues and drive economic growth.

Gov. Okpebholo vowed to prioritize the safety and well-being of the people of Edo, declaring a firm stance against crime. He announced that his administration would implement policies aimed at reducing violence, including kidnapping, which has plagued the state in recent years.

“The era of incessant kidnapping and violent crimes is over,” he declared, emphasizing that the security of Edo citizens is his top priority.

The governor’s five-point agenda includes revitalizing Edo’s infrastructure, with a focus on road construction, drainage systems, and bridges to ease transportation across the state.

Okpebholo expressed his commitment to improving the state’s infrastructure, stating that immediate work would begin to make roads passable again and ensure that citizens could move freely.

In addition to improving security and infrastructure, Gov. Okpebholo emphasized the importance of healthcare and food sufficiency, noting that his administration would work to ensure the state’s self-sufficiency in food production.

He also pledged to provide support for small businesses and market women through soft loans, creating a more enabling environment for entrepreneurship.

The governor also announced plans to focus on education, promising to recruit more teachers and address the dilapidated state of classrooms in schools. “We shall immediately swing into action to rebuild our classrooms and strengthen tertiary education in Edo to ensure quality education for all,” Okpebholo said.

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In a move to address past political issues, Gov. Okpebholo also revealed the formation of a panel to investigate the failure to inaugurate 14 elected members of the Edo State House of Assembly in 2019, a matter that has remained unresolved.

The governor further committed to expanding electricity access, with plans to link unconnected communities to the national grid. He also promised to support Edo’s traditional institutions, particularly in the preservation of the state’s rich cultural heritage.

Gov. Okpebholo expressed support for the Federal Government’s decision to uphold the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of the Benin Bronzes, looted by British colonial forces during the 1897 massacre.

“My administration is ready to work closely with other arms of government to strengthen democracy, good governance, and build a better Edo for all citizens,” Okpebholo concluded.