Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Thursday described his first 100 days in office as a journey focused on rebuilding and restoring Edo’s full potential.
Speaking at an event organised to mark the 100 days in Benin, he said his administration had laid a strong foundation for the future by improving key sectors, including the economy, healthcare, and infrastructure.
“When we assumed office, Edo had immense potential but was burdened by challenges like poor infrastructure, struggling businesses, and a public sector in desperate need of reform.
“From the onset, our vision was clear, to restore leadership trust, create opportunities, and set Edo on a path towards sustainable and long-term economic growth.
“We have made notable progress, though much remains to be done. Our administration increased Edo’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to over N10 billion, the highest ever recorded.
“We eliminated wasteful consultants and reinvested resources into improving public service efficiency, ensuring Edo thrives economically while creating sustainable job opportunities for our citizens,” he said.
Okpebholo said that his administration launched an interest-free loan scheme, which benefited over 5,000 market women, farmers, and artisans to strengthen small businesses.
He disclosed that, in collaboration with the World Bank, the government disbursed grants to over 400 small business owners, helping them navigate prevailing economic challenges effectively.
To combat rising food costs, Okpebholo noted that he banned market unions responsible for price inflation, adding that prices had reduced significantly and essential goods were more affordable for Edo residents.
On healthcare, Okpebholo reiterated his government’s commitment to citizens’ wellbeing, including launching South-South Nigeria’s first VVF centre in Edo and offering free malaria treatment for two years.
“On security and infrastructure, we amended laws to fight cultism and kidnapping, recovered 3,500 illegal firearms, procured 75 Toyota Hilux vehicles and motorcycles to enhance security.
“Infrastructure projects are progressing, including the historic Ramat Park Flyover, which will ease congestion in Benin and improve transportation across Edo State,” he added.
According to him, the hybrid infrastructure masterplan, in partnership with federal and local governments, will bridge immediate gaps while ensuring long-term prosperity and job creation statewide.
Also speaking, the National Chairman of APC, Umar Ganduje, who led members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to the event, commended the governor for his developmental strides.
Ganduje noted that the governor was no doubt a progressive and a performing governor that would deliver the benefits of democracy to Edo people.
The Guest lecturer and former governor of Edo, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, who spoke on practical governance, a new Edo has risen, said Edo was truly rising under Okpebholo’s administration.
Oshiomole noted that the current administration had demonstrated practical governance in the last 100 days, adding that there were evidences to show for his achievements.
He added that the administration, led by Okpebholo, was working without signing MoUs and hiring consultants to help develop the state.
“The Governor is a man who talks less but work more and in 100 days, we have more achievements to show to Edo people.
“What Edo people want is for your administration to continue to create the enabling environment for them to thrive,” Oshiomole said.
The Chairman of the Planning Committee and Deputy Governor of the state, Dennis Idahosa, in his welcome address, said the occasion was to take stock of the achievements of the Okpebholo led administration in the last 100 days.