By The Roma Communications
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has attributed the ongoing infrastructure and development projects in the state to the increased financial capacity of state governments following the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at a diaspora engagement in London on Friday, themed “Shine Beyond Borders,” the governor said the Federal Government’s economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, have enabled states to undertake projects that directly impact the lives of their citizens.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Okpebholo said the era when state governments depended on federal bailouts to pay salaries had ended.
“The era of governors queuing up for bailouts in Abuja before they could pay workers’ salaries is over. Today, states have more money not only for salaries but enough to undertake infrastructural development as can be witnessed in Edo State in recent times,” the governor said.
He said the impact of the reforms is evident in Edo State through ongoing infrastructure, security and governance initiatives being implemented under his administration’s SHINE Agenda.
Among the projects highlighted were the Ramat Park Flyover in Benin City, the reconstruction of the Ekpoma–Auchi section of the Benin–Okene Highway using concrete pavement, and the extension of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway through Edo State.
The governor also pointed to security improvements, including the establishment of an Army Forward Operational Base, the siting of the MOPOL 82 Squadron, the recruitment of 500 Forest Guards, and the approval of a new Nigerian Army division for the state.
Addressing Edo indigenes living in the United Kingdom, Okpebholo urged members of the diaspora to contribute to the state’s development by investing, transferring knowledge and expertise, and leveraging their global networks for the benefit of their homeland.
Describing the event as “a family conversation” rather than a formal engagement, the governor encouraged those who had never visited their ancestral communities to return and reconnect with their roots.
“To those of you here who have never seen your ancestral home, I invite you to come back, not as visitors, but as owners,” he said.
Okpebholo also appealed to Edo indigenes abroad to assess his administration based on its achievements rather than what he described as misinformation circulating on social media.
“Judge our administration by our performance and not from online mischief and propaganda,” he said, while urging them to become ambassadors for Edo State by promoting its investment opportunities.
As part of the engagement, the governor presented branded face caps and other souvenirs bearing the image of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to members of the Edo diaspora, reaffirming his administration’s support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The interactive session also provided an opportunity for participants to discuss issues affecting Edo State and explore ways of strengthening collaboration through investment, innovation and strategic partnerships.
According to the governor’s spokesman, the London engagement is part of the Edo State Government’s ongoing efforts to deepen relationships with Edo communities in the diaspora and encourage their participation in the state’s economic growth and development.
