Okpebholo Records Gains In Security, Infrastructure, Others In Two Years

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, marks two years in office today Thursday, November 12, with reported achievements in security, infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, sports, transportation and economic empowerment.

Since assuming office in 2024, Okpebholo has pursued his administration’s SHINE Agenda, focusing on Security, Healthcare, Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Agriculture, and Education.

The government crashed cult-related killings to almost zero and recruited and trained 2,500 Edo State Security Corps personnel. In addition it has engaged 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security, particularly in forest communities. It has also provided more than 100 patrol vehicles and 600 motorcycles to security agencies.

The administration has strengthened the legal framework against kidnapping and cultism, including the establishment of a Special Criminal Court to accelerate the prosecution of offenders. More than 500 cult members have also publicly renounced their membership under the government’s rehabilitation and amnesty programme.

The government commenced road projects covering more than 600 kilometres, alongside drainage, erosion control and urban renewal works. The Ramat Park Flyover is awaiting commissioning, while construction continues on the Adesuwa Junction Flyover.

Other projects include Sapele Road, Palace Road in Uteh, Ogheghe, Temboga and Old Sapele roads, as well as erosion control works at Ekenwan Army Barracks and Obaseki Street, Ikpoba Hill. The administration has also distributed 54 heavy-duty construction machines to the state’s 18 local government areas.

About 70 primary healthcare centres have been upgraded, while the Anegbette and Obayantor General Hospitals have reopened after years of closure. More than 2,000 healthcare workers have been recruited, while diagnostic equipment has been provided across the state’s 18 local government areas. Construction continues on the 150-bed Edo Specialist Hospital at Udomi and a general hospital at Iguobazuwa. More than 600,000 residents are enrolled in the state health insurance scheme.

The government has absorbed 5,000 contract teachers into permanent employment and approved another 3,000 appointments. It has upgraded 65 public schools, while more than 15,000 students have benefited from NELFUND. Okpebholo received the 2025 New Telegraph Governor of the Year (Education) award and the NECO Award of Excellence.

The administration acquired 36 tractors, cultivated about 1,000 hectares and constructed five warehouses. Through LIFE-ND, 630 agripreneurs received grants and starter packs, while more than 4,500 beneficiaries have benefited from the programme.

Team Edo won the second Niger Delta Games, ending a 24-year wait for regional supremacy, while finishing third at the 2025 National Youth Games.

The government approved ₦1 billion in interest-free loans for traders and identified more than 54,000 women for empowerment programmes. It also distributed grants to women and youth-led businesses and renovated skills acquisition centres in Uromi and Igarra.

The administration acquired 100 New Edo Line buses, introduced 50 luxury CNG buses and distributed 200 commercial minibuses. It also secured a 10 per cent equity stake in the 100MW Ologbo Power Plant.

Other achievements include restoring the Edo State Customary Court of Appeal, maintaining the ₦75,000 minimum wage and securing a $1 million Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge award for Benin City.

As the administration enters its third year, Okpebholo has pledged to complete ongoing projects, strengthen security and expand development across all 18 local government areas.

He acknowledged that challenges remain but reaffirmed his commitment to practical governance, accountability and improved living conditions for Edo residents.