The jubilation in Edo State since the inception of the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo has continued unabated even as the people’s action governor marks six months in office.
From Benin City, the state capital in Edo South, to Ekpoma in Edo Central, Auchi in Edo North and other parts of the state, there is a great rejoicing following the unprecedented wave of development being witnessed under the leadership of Governor Okpebholo in the first six months of his administration.
Traditional institutions, religious bodies, the academia, market women, artisans and other professional bodies across the state have all put on their dancing shoes, attires and regalia to celebrate the peace and harmony currently being witnessed in the state, as well as the people-centred developmental strides of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
Governor Okpebholo, whom Edolites have praised for matching words with actions and being a promise keeper, has continued to break records in the past six months in office. The governor has also vigorously implemented his project SHINE which is a comprehensive plan to address issues of Security, Health, Infrastructure, Nutrition (Agriculture) and Education right from the very first day he took over the helm of affairs at Dennis Osadebey Avenue.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, in a press release on Monday, May 12, 2025, highlighted major achievements of the current administration thus far.
According to Itua, the first six months in office of the Okpebholo administration in Edo State has been defined by decisive leadership, people-centred policies, and visible progress across critical sectors.
Itua said since assuming office in November 2024, Governor Okpebholo has demonstrated a relentless commitment to the welfare of Edo people and the restoration of public confidence in government and that his administration has focused on delivering good governance, reviving public institutions, and addressing long-standing infrastructural challenges.
“Within 24 hours of his swearing-in, the Governor flagged off the reconstruction of the Teboga-Uteh-Ugbowo Road in Benin City, a project long neglected but crucial in tackling perennial flooding and traffic congestion on the Uselu-Ugbowo axis,” Itua said.
“Today, road construction and rehabilitation are ongoing across Edo South, Central, and North Senatorial Districts, without the usual excuses of state or federal ownership. For Governor Okpebholo, every road that serves the people must be fixed.
“In the education sector, the administration has restored normalcy to Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma. The reinstatement of the Governing Council, increased subvention from N41 million to N500 million monthly, and the resolution of issues affecting the College of Medicine have revived hope among students and staff. Stranded medical students have now been inducted, and unjustly disengaged lecturers have been recalled.
“Primary and secondary education has also received attention. The regularization of EdoSTAR teachers and the recruitment of over 500 new teachers have ensured a more robust and stable academic environment across the state,” he said.
In the area of security, Itua said there has been marked improvement with the signing of anti-cultism and anti-kidnapping laws, the demolition of criminal hideouts, and renewed collaboration with security agencies, such that communities like Uromi and Ekpoma, once troubled by violence, are now experiencing relative peace.
“Governor Okpebholo’s administration has also raised the bar in workers’ welfare by increasing the state’s minimum wage to N75,000—one of the highest in Nigeria. This bold move affirms his belief that civil servants are the backbone of governance and deserve to live with dignity.
“In agriculture, over N70 billion has been earmarked for food security and rural development projects. These efforts are aimed at boosting local production, reducing dependence on imported food, and empowering farmers across the state.
“From health to housing, and commerce to culture, the past six months have laid the foundation for the rebirth of Edo State. Governor Okpebholo’s approach remains simple: lead with compassion, act with urgency, and serve with integrity.
“The journey has just begun, but the results so far give hope. The people of Edo can be assured that the government they elected is committed to their progress, prosperity, and peace,” Itua said.
Indeed, Governor Okpebholo’s leadership and governance approach that has brought peace, joy and rejoicing to the people of Edo State resonates with a scripture in the book of Proverbs, which says, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.”
Governor Okpebholo’s mantra of “A New Edo is Risen” has seen him in his first six months in office successfully spread the renewed hope of the President Bola Tinubu administration to the people of Edo State, which has seen the state’s connection to the government at the centre yielding positive results in the lives of Edo people and the state at large.
