Edo @ 35: Okpebholo, Idahosa reaffirm commitment to state’s development

Edo @ 35: Okpebholo, Idahosa reaffirm commitment to state’s developmentThe Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, have reaffirmed their commitment to the development of the state as Edo marks its 35th anniversary.

 

In separate messages issued on Thursday, the governor and his deputy congratulated Edo people at home and in the diaspora, describing the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the state’s progress and renew commitment to its development.

 

Okpebholo, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, said his administration was accelerating development through the SHINE Agenda while acknowledging the contributions of successive administrations, traditional institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders.

 

Reflecting on the creation of Edo State from the defunct Bendel State on August 27, 1991, the governor said the state’s 35 years of existence represented both an achievement and a responsibility.

 

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

 

He said education remained a major priority, noting that the government had increased subvention to Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, and Edo State University, Uzairue, while also commencing the recruitment of teachers to address manpower shortages in public schools.

 

On infrastructure, Okpebholo said road rehabilitation was ongoing across the state, alongside the construction of flyovers at Ikpoba Hill and Sapele Road in Benin City.

 

He also said the administration was pursuing urban renewal projects and investing in the energy sector to improve electricity supply and support economic activities.

 

The governor specifically cited the 100-megawatt power project at Ologbo and associated energy infrastructure at the Taihu Industrial Park as efforts aimed at strengthening the state’s power capacity and supporting industrial development.

 

“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 urged residents to remain united and support the government’s development efforts, stressing that the state’s future depended on collective action.

 

“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.

 

On his part, Idahosa, in a goodwill message issued by his media aide, Friday Aghedo, described the creation of Edo State on August 27, 1991, as a defining moment in the history of the people.

 

He said Edo people had made significant contributions to Nigeria and the global community in areas including education, agriculture, commerce, politics, sports, entertainment and the professions.

 

The deputy governor acknowledged the contributions of successive administrations to the development of the state, saying their efforts had provided foundations upon which the current administration was building.

 

He said the Okpebholo administration was accelerating development through the SHINE Agenda, with emphasis on infrastructure, healthcare, education, security, human capital development and economic growth.

 

“The work may be enormous, but our determination is greater,” Idahosa said.

 

He described the people of Edo as the state’s greatest asset and called for greater unity and collective commitment to building a prosperous future.

 

Idahosa urged residents to use the anniversary to reflect on the state’s achievements, learn from its challenges and renew their commitment to building the Edo State they desire.