By Tobore Jerome
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, since taking over the helm of affairs at the Dennis Osadebey avenue has not shy away from his transformative style to take Edo State to a greater height.
The people’s action governor who believed in action, rather than making noise all over the place have been consistent in implementing his five points agenda of Security, Infrastructure, Healthcare, Food Sufficiency and Education so as to take Edo State to an enviable position in the committee of states across the country.
Governor Okpebholo who is known with the popular slogan of “Less Talk, More Action” has been so passionate about the plight of Edo people and fixing deplorable conditions he meant the state when he took over office on November 12th, 2024. Little wonder whenever the governor speaks at any fora or meetings, Edo people can feel the passion in him and the pains in his heart to hurriedly fix the dilapidated condition of the state which the former administration of Governor Obaseki and PDP brought the state into.
Governor Okpebholo in his new year message titled “A Message of Hope and Progress for the New Year” to usher in the good people of Edo State into the year 2025, reiterated his commitment to transform the state by declaring that 2025 will be a year of progress and transformation for the state.
He said, “On November 12, 2024, my deputy, Dennis Idahosa and I came on board, and since then, Edo State has been witnessing a steady growth. In 2025, we will do more for our people and continue to make your lives better.
“My dear people of Edo State, as we round off activities for the year 2024 and embrace 2025, I extend to you all my warmest greetings and heartfelt wishes for a prosperous and fulfilling New Year.
“The year 2024 presented us with its own set of challenges, but it was also a year of remarkable achievements.
“As a people, we have shown resilience, determination, and an unwavering spirit. Looking ahead, I am confident that 2025 will be a year of progress and transformation for our great state.
“My administration is committed to working with our people to build a brighter future for Edo State. Together, let us embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in 2025. With your support, a New Edo will rise again.
“I urge you to continue to support my administration. I also urge you to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Mr. President means well for our dear country, and I am optimistic that his bold policies will yield positive results in 2025.
“My deputy and I, wish you all a joyous and prosperous New Year, filled with happiness, good health, and success.”
Governor Okpebholo, whose transformative leadership style is matching words with action, on Thursday January 9th, 2025, commenced massive repairs of the failed portions of the Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi highway in fulfilment of his pledge to ensure ease of movement of people and goods from different parts of the country.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
The statement reads “Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commenced massive repairs on some failed portions of the Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi highway, in fulfilment of his pledge to ensure ease of movement of people and goods from different parts of the country.
“The ever-busy highway which links Edo South through Edo Central with Edo North Senatorial Districts of the State, has over the years been in a deplorable condition, exposing commuters to untold hardship before they could access their various destinations.
“Governor Okpebholo, upon assumption of office, embarked on massive reconstruction and repair of roads across the State with an assurance to Edo people to provide motorable roads under his watch.
“Barely a month in office, the Governor has embarked on reconstruction of some failed portions of the Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi expressway by Obadan Junction, Upper Mission Extension by Aduwawa junction, Temboga road, Upper Ekenwan road, among others.
“The foregoing attests to the importance Governor Okpebholo places on the rehabilitation of the Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi road being a Federal road which he undertook the responsibility of fixing despite paucity of funds.” He said.
Similarly, Governor Okpebholo, whose one of his five agenda is education, has moved to resolve delayed induction of 167 Medical graduates of the Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma (AAU). This is according to a statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.
Itua stated that Governor Okpebholo’s administration will look into the circumstances surrounding the stoppage of the 2015 set of medical students of the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma from been inducted, months after graduation.
He said the governor had a brief stopover on his way from Irrua to address a number of protesting medical students at the institution’s gate in Ekpoma.
The governor noted that his administration wants the best for its citizens, including the protesting medical students, urging them to be patient while the issues are resolved in earnest.
“I have heard you and also in pain about the way you are right now. I have heard about this particular issue of accreditation and others.
“I am going to invite the acting Vice Chancellor of the institution to discuss and look into the matter and see how to resolve it as quickly as possible. Just be patient. Everything will be fine,” he counseled.
Governor Okpebholo’s transformative style in positioning Edo State for progress is one that has been applauded by all stakeholders across board and has also been celebrated by every Edolites.
The governor has equally been praised by political pundits and stakeholders for his administration commitment in enshrining transparency and accountability in the state and the manner at which he has brought back sanity to the local governments administration in the state.
