In a significant public engagement, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has delivered a robust reaffirmation of his administration’s core mandate: to drive visible, people-focused development that tangibly improves the lives of residents. The declaration, made during a town hall meeting, moves beyond political rhetoric to outline a concrete governance framework and specific project milestones.
The governor’s statement, issued by Chief Press Secretary Ebojele Patrick and reported by Imelda Osayande, was delivered to members of the Akpakomiza Movement for Tinubu (Team FIGO-Connect) in Benin. Okpebholo framed his mission in unequivocal terms, stating, “You voted for me for a reason, and that reason is the development of the state. My government’s mandate is clear and non-negotiable, focusing on transforming Edo into a modern city.” This emphasis on a non-negotiable mandate signals a shift from broad promises to accountable, results-oriented governance.
To substantiate this commitment, the governor provided a detailed snapshot of ongoing projects, offering citizens a clear benchmark for assessment. These include:
- The reconstruction of Sapele Road: A major arterial route critical for commerce and daily commuting.
- Erosion control initiatives: Addressing a perennial and devastating environmental challenge in parts of the state.
- Road works in Ogheghe: Improving local infrastructure and connectivity.
- Interventions in neglected public schools: A direct investment in human capital and the future workforce.
Okpebholo attributed the momentum on these projects to effective funding mechanisms and the prompt payment of contractors—a crucial, often overlooked, factor in ensuring project completion and quality. He stressed that true development must be rooted in “the real needs of the people,” suggesting a bottom-up approach rather than a top-down imposition of projects.
The governor’s vision is formally structured around the SHINE agenda, a five-pillar development blueprint comprising Security, Health, Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Agriculture, and Education. This framework aims to provide holistic, sustainable development that systematically improves the quality of life across Edo State. The mentioned projects directly feed into the Infrastructure and Education pillars, demonstrating the agenda’s operationalization.
In a notable segment of his address, Governor Okpebholo aligned his state-level efforts with the national economic policies of President Bola Tinubu. He praised the federal government’s reforms, such as the removal of the fuel subsidy and recent tax reforms—including the exemption of Nigerians earning below ₦150,000 from personal income tax—as “bold and people-focused.” This alignment suggests a coordinated approach to governance between the state and federal levels, which can be critical for attracting investment and implementing large-scale programs.
The political dimension of the meeting was equally significant. Attended by APC Edo Chairman Jarrett Tenebe, Commissioner for Energy and Water Resources Washington Osifo, and other party leaders, the event also witnessed a major political realignment. Members of the Labour Party’s Obedient Movement announced the collapse of their structures in Edo and pledged support for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
Mr. Ikhuenbor Igbinevbo, coordinator of the Edo Obedient Movement, explained the decision, stating, “About 95 percent here are Obedient Movement and Labour Party stakeholders. We supported Peter Obi in 2023 but now back President Tinubu for a second term.” He cited growing confidence in Tinubu’s reform agenda as the primary reason. This development highlights the fluid nature of Nigerian politics and indicates a potential consolidation of support for the APC in Edo State ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Governor Okpebholo’s town hall address, therefore, serves multiple purposes: it is a progress report to citizens, a reaffirmation of a governing philosophy centred on tangible deliverables, and a political event underscoring shifting alliances. The true test of this “people-centred development” pledge will be the sustained, equitable, and transparent execution of the SHINE agenda projects, ensuring that the visible development promised becomes a daily reality for all Edo residents.
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
