Edo State Governor, Monday Okpehbolo, celebrated his first year in office by highlighting transformative achievements, including the creation of over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs. Under his leadership, the state launched a ₦1 billion interest-free loan scheme for small businesses and traders, signaling a hands-on approach to economic growth.
Okpehbolo revealed that his administration inherited massive debts over ₦600 billion locally and internationally, plus ₦180 billion owed to contractors but through prudent management under the SHINE Agenda, the burden has been significantly reduced.
Security has also improved drastically. With over 300 cult-related killings recorded in 2024, the governor acted decisively, strengthening anti-cultism laws, supplying vehicles to security agencies, and recruiting 2,500 officers, making Edo a harder place for criminals.
On healthcare, new Primary Health Centres are being built in 18 wards, diagnostic equipment provided across local governments, and a 100-bed Specialist Hospital is underway. Infrastructure saw a major boost, with 28 new road projects spanning 255 kilometres and the state’s first-ever flyovers at Ramat Park and Adesuwa-Sapele Road.
Education reforms included the recruitment of 5,000 permanent teachers, the renovation of 63 schools, and a dramatic increase in Ambrose Alli University’s monthly subvention from ₦41 million to ₦500 million.
Political leaders, including APC Chairman Prof. Netawe Yilwatda and former governor Senator Adams Oshiomhole, praised Okpehbolo’s hands-on governance, noting his alignment with President Almed Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the economic impact of key infrastructure projects.
