Edo@35: Okpebholo, deputy reaffirm commitment to development

The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, have reaffirmed their commitment to the development of the state.

In a statement on Thursday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, Okpebholo congratulated Edo people at home and in the diaspora on the 35th anniversary of the creation of the state, describing the occasion as a celebration of unity, resilience and shared progress.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accelerating development through the SHINE Agenda, while acknowledging the contributions of past administrations, traditional institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders to the growth of the state.

Reflecting on Edo’s creation on August 27, 1991, from the defunct Bendel State, Okpebholo said the anniversary provided an opportunity to assess the state’s progress, consolidate existing gains and renew the collective commitment to its development.

“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, while prioritising healthcare through the upgrading of facilities and training of health workers, particularly at primary healthcare centres.

He said education remained a major priority of the administration, noting that the government had increased subvention to Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, and Edo State University, Uzairue, to strengthen the institutions and improve the quality of teaching and learning.

Okpebholo also said the administration had commenced the recruitment of teachers to address manpower gaps in public schools and improve access to quality education across the state.

On infrastructure, the governor said road rehabilitation was ongoing across the state, alongside work on the first flyovers at Ikpoba Hill and Sapele Road in Benin City. He said the administration was also pursuing urban renewal projects to improve major cities and communities across the state.

On energy, Okpebholo said his administration was taking steps to expand power generation and improve electricity supply to support households, businesses and industries.

He specifically cited the 100-megawatt power project at Ologbo and the associated energy infrastructure being developed at the Taihu Industrial Park, saying the projects would strengthen the state’s power capacity and provide a more reliable electricity base for industrial development.

He said the administration’s focus on energy was aimed at reducing the constraints posed by inadequate electricity supply, attracting new investments, supporting existing businesses and creating more jobs for Edo people.

“Reliable energy is critical to industrialization and economic growth. We will continue to support investments that expand power generation and create the infrastructure required for businesses to thrive in Edo,” he said.

Okpebholo commended Edo people and other stakeholders for their contributions to the state’s development, urging them to sustain their support and cooperation with the government.

“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.

The governor wished Edo people peace, progress and prosperity, urging citizens to remain united and committed to building a stronger and more prosperous state.

On his part, Idahosa described the milestone as an opportunity to celebrate the resilience and achievements of Edo people while renewing his commitment to a more prosperous future.

Idahosa, in a goodwill message marking the anniversary, issued by his media aide, Friday Aghedo, said the creation of Edo State on August 27, 1991, represented a defining moment in the history and collective journey of the people.

According to him, 35 years of statehood have witnessed the remarkable contributions of Edo people to Nigeria and the global community in areas including education, agriculture, commerce, politics, sports, entertainment and the professions.

He acknowledged the contributions of successive administrations to the development of the state, noting that their efforts had laid foundations upon which the present administration is building.

Idahosa said the current administration, led by Okpebholo, was accelerating development through the SHINE Agenda, with renewed focus on infrastructure, healthcare, education, security, human capital development and economic growth.

“The work may be enormous, but our determination is greater,” he said, stressing that the government remained focused on building an Edo State where businesses could thrive and citizens could prosper.

While reflecting on the journey of the past 35 years, the Deputy Governor said the greatest asset of Edo State remained its people.

He called for greater unity and collective commitment among Edo people, noting that the state’s strength lies in its diversity, resilience and shared determination to build a better future for generations yet unborn.

Idahosa urged Edo people to use the anniversary to reflect on the state’s achievements, learn from its challenges and renew their commitment to the Edo of their dreams.