Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has revealed that his administration inherited over £600 billion in local and foreign debts and £180 billion owed to contractors from the immediate past administration of Mr. Godwin Obaseki.
Speaking during his first anniversary ceremony held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Center in Benin City on Wednesday, Okpebholo said his government has reduced the financial burden through “prudent management, transparency and fiscal discipline” under the SHINE Agenda.
“On the economy and jobs, we inherited over £600bn in local and external debts and £180bn owed to contractors. Through prudent management and transparency, we have reduced this burden significantly,” he said.
He noted that his administration found Edo burdened by rot, debt, insecurity and mistrust, but has since begun to restore public trust by rebuilding institutions and strengthening governance.
The governor revealed that in one year, his administration had created more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs and launched a £1 billion interest-free loan scheme for small businesses, traders and craftsmen.
On security, Okpebholo recalled that Edo was “almost a war zone” when he took office, plagued by murders, kidnappings and robberies by cults.
He said his government acted decisively by repealing the weak anti-cultism law, enacting a stronger one, supplying 60 Hilux vans and 400 motorcycles to security agencies and recruiting 2,500 officers into the Edo State Security Corps.
According to him, the measures have drastically reduced insecurity, ensuring that “Edo will no longer be a safe haven for criminals.”
The governor said his administration is also rebuilding the health sector, announcing the construction of new primary health centers in 18 districts, the provision of diagnostic machines in all local governments and the commencement of a 100-bed specialized hospital in Udomi, Edo Central.
On infrastructure, Okpebholo revealed that his government has awarded 28 new road projects totaling 255 kilometers and for the first time in the history of Edo, has commenced construction of two flyovers at Ramat Park and Adesuwa-Sapele Road in Benin City.
He said the state’s agricultural budget had been increased from £4.5 billion to £57 billion, resulting in more than 400 hectares of farmland being brought into cultivation as part of efforts to tackle food insecurity.
On education, Okpebholo revealed that 5,000 teachers have been permanently recruited and 63 schools upgraded, while Ambrose Alli University’s grant was increased from £41 million to £500 million monthly to restore academic stability.
Reaffirming his commitment to the rule of law, the governor said his administration restored intergovernmental relations, swore in three previously sidelined judges, revived the customary court system and strengthened traditional institutions.
“A new Edo has emerged,” he declared. “We will continue to create opportunities that secure the future of our people until every community feels the touch of Practical Governance.”
Governor Okpebholo expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as “a father and leader”, for his guidance, leadership and support, stating that “without him, much of our progress would not have been possible.”
The ceremony also featured goodwill messages from Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Chief Lucky Imasuen, Dr. Pius Odubu and other prominent leaders, who praised Okpebholo’s firm and reformist approach to governance.
A high-level policy panel further explored critical aspects of Nigeria’s economic prospects and how Edo State is positioning itself for sustainable growth.
The event ended in an atmosphere of celebration, as guests, dignitaries and citizens praised the performance of the governor and reaffirmed confidence in his leadership – a first anniversary that was a defining statement of renewal, courage and the dawn of a truly new Edo State.
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