Edo at 35: Okpebholo pledges accelerated development
…..Governor: We’ll deliver through concrete action
…..Priorities roads, schools, healthcare, security
…..Says, “100MW Ologbo power project targets industrial growth”
By Ayewa Eraolei Felix
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has pledged to accelerate development across the state, saying his administration will translate Edo’s economic potential into tangible improvements in the lives of the people.
Okpebholo spoke yesterday as Edo marked the 35th anniversary of its creation, with a commitment to deepen investments in security, healthcare, education, infrastructure and energy under the SHINE Agenda.
The governor congratulated Edo people at home and in the diaspora, describing the anniversary as a celebration of unity, resilience and shared progress.
Edo State was created on August 27, 1991 from the defunct Bendel State.
Okpebholo said the milestone offered an opportunity to assess the state’s progress, consolidate past gains and renew the collective commitment to its development.
He acknowledged the contributions of previous administrations, traditional institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders to the growth of the state.
“Edo’s 35 years represent both an achievement and a responsibility. We inherit a state with deep cultural roots, economic potential and people with proven capacity.
“Our task is to translate these assets into tangible improvements in the lives of Edo citizens,” he said.
The governor said his administration had strengthened collaboration with security agencies to tackle criminal activities and improve the safety of residents.
He said healthcare was also receiving attention through the upgrading of facilities and training of health workers, particularly at primary healthcare centres.
On education, Okpebholo said the government had increased subventions to Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, and Edo State University, Uzairue, to strengthen the institutions and improve teaching and learning.
He added that the administration had commenced the recruitment of teachers to address manpower shortages in public schools and improve access to quality education.
The governor said road rehabilitation and construction were ongoing across the state, alongside work on the flyovers at Ikpoba Hill and Sapele Road in Benin City.
He said the projects formed part of the administration’s infrastructure and urban renewal programme aimed at improving mobility and opening communities to economic activities.
Okpebholo also identified energy as critical to the government’s industrialisation drive, citing the 100-megawatt power project at Ologbo and associated energy infrastructure at the Taihu Industrial Park.
He said the projects would expand the state’s electricity capacity, support businesses, attract investment and create jobs.
“Reliable energy is critical to industrialisation and economic growth. We will continue to support investments that expand power generation and create the infrastructure required for businesses to thrive in Edo,” the governor said.
Okpebholo urged residents to remain united and support efforts to build a stronger and more prosperous state.
“This anniversary is an opportunity for introspection and recommitment. Edo’s future depends on our collective will to do the work; not in slogans, but in concrete action,” he said.
He wished Edo people peace, progress and prosperity.
- The statement was signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Dr Patrick Akhere Ebojele.
