BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has congratulated Edo people at home and in the diaspora as the state marks its 35th anniversary, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to accelerating development through the SHINE Agenda.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, the governor described the anniversary as a celebration of the unity, resilience and shared progress of the people of Edo.
Okpebholo noted that Edo was created on August 27, 1991, from the defunct Bendel State, saying the anniversary offered an opportunity to reflect on the state’s journey, consolidate its achievements and renew collective commitment to its future.
“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,” the governor said.
He acknowledged the contributions of past administrations, traditional institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders to the development of the state, while outlining key areas of focus under his administration.
On security, Okpebholo said the government had strengthened collaboration with security agencies to tackle criminal activities and enhance the safety of residents.
He said healthcare remained a priority, with efforts focused on upgrading facilities and training health workers, particularly at primary healthcare centres.
According to the governor, education has also received increased attention, with higher subventions provided to Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, and Edo State University, Uzairue, to strengthen the institutions and improve teaching and learning.
He added that his administration had commenced the recruitment of teachers to address manpower shortages in public schools and improve access to quality education across the state.
On infrastructure, Okpebholo said road rehabilitation was ongoing in different parts of Edo, alongside construction of the state’s first flyovers at Ikpoba Hill and Sapele Road in Benin City.
He also disclosed that the government was pursuing urban renewal projects aimed at improving major cities and communities across the state.
The governor highlighted energy as another critical component of his administration’s development strategy, saying efforts were underway to expand power generation and improve electricity supply to households, businesses and industries.
He specifically cited the 100-megawatt power project at Ologbo and associated energy infrastructure being developed at the Taihu Industrial Park as key investments expected to strengthen Edo’s power capacity and support industrial development.
“Reliable energy is critical to industrialisation 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 said improved power supply would help reduce constraints on businesses, attract investments, support existing enterprises and create employment opportunities for Edo people.
The governor commended Edo people and other stakeholders for their contributions to the state’s development and urged them to sustain their support and cooperation with his administration.
“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.
He wished Edo people at home and abroad peace, progress and prosperity, while calling for continued unity and collective efforts towards building a stronger and more prosperous state.
