Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship candidate, in the forthcoming election in the Edo State has outlined his vision for Akoko-Edo local government area to include the provision of security, healthcare and water supply for the people.
He spoke during a one-hour session hosted by the Akoko-Edo Development Association on Tuesday June 4, 2024.
The event, part of the “Meet the Candidates” series, provided an opportunity for the candidate to address local stakeholders’ concerns, particularly regarding the perceived marginalization of the region.
Senator Okpebholo emphasized his strong ties to rural communities similar to Akoko-Edo, expressing his commitment to serve the people as the next governor of Edo State. He highlighted three key areas of focus if elected to be security, healthcare, and water supply.
“I see a lot of potential and many things can be done in Akoko-Edo,” Okpebholo remarked, noting the area’s untapped mineral resources that are ripe for investment.
He shared his personal connection with the area, underscoring his proximity to Akoko-Edo and a pledge to ensure equal treatment for all parts of the state.
The candidate highlighted his previous efforts, including assisting Dr. Philip Ugbodaga in becoming the first medical director of the newly established Federal Orthopedic Hospital in Benin. He also acknowledged the lack of significant federal appointments for Akoko-Edo indigenes since the start of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
When the issue of splitting Akoko-Edo to create more LGAs or LCDAs was raised, Okpebholo initially dismissed the idea but later conceded that he would consider it if it proved beneficial. He proposed setting up a committee to gather input from the local population on the matter.
Addressing healthcare, Sen. Okpebholo promised to ensure that each ward in the LGA has at least one primary health center. He plans to renovate existing General Hospitals and equip them with laboratories. Additionally, he aims to attract medical professionals to the area by providing incentives and allowing local health authorities greater autonomy.
Regarding tourism, the Senator expressed a deep interest in developing the sector. He mentioned specific locations such as Ososo, Lampese, and Igarra, which possess natural beauty and potential for becoming major tourist attractions. However, he identified insecurity as a major obstacle to tourism and agriculture in the region.
On the topic of security, Okpebholo chose not to disclose specific plans but assured that it would be a top priority to enable tourism and farming to flourish. He dismissed the idea of relying solely on forest guards for security, suggesting that more comprehensive measures would be needed.
Reviving the Ojirami Dam for water supply to the LGA was another key promise made by the Senator, though specific details on how this would be achieved were not provided.
In response to questions about the National Assembly’s efforts to activate the School of Mining and Geology, Okpebholo admitted his lack of awareness about the bill but pledged to investigate further. He did not comment on the establishment of a state higher institution in the LGA, a point raised by other candidates in the series.
The session concluded with a call for Sen. Okpebholo to engage more deeply with the Akoko-Edo community to fully understand their needs and expectations. Emphasis was placed on inclusivity beyond just APC loyalists. Responding the gubernatorial candidate promised to visit Akoko-Edo in the coming days to further demonstrate his commitment to addressing the community’s concerns.
