The Edo State Government has strongly defended its record in office, asserting that tangible progress has been made across key sectors despite opposition criticisms.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kasim Afegbua, made this declaration at a press conference held in Benin City on Wednesday, outlining the administration’s focus on addressing long-standing challenges and delivering impactful projects.
Afegbua stated that the Gov. Monday Okpebholo administration has prioritized practical solutions over mere publicity. He dismissed recent protests against the government as being orchestrated by “faceless actors,” questioning the legitimacy and motives of those involved. He refuted claims of stagnation, emphasizing a positive shift in the state’s development trajectory.
“The current Edo narrative is cheering news to the average Edo mind. We are not into propaganda. What we are doing, you can see for yourselves,” he asserted.
The Commissioner anchored the government’s defense on significant strides in infrastructure. He highlighted ongoing and completed road projects throughout the state, including the near-completion of the Ramat Park flyover and a second flyover at Aduwawa junction.
He also pointed to the rehabilitation of the previously abandoned Sapele Road, along with numerous urban and rural road projects spanning the Edo South, Central, and North Senatorial Districts.
“In 18 months, we can beat our chest that the governor has done so much to advance critical infrastructure,” Afegbua stated, acknowledging that early rains had presented challenges to construction timelines.
The Okpebholo administration has also focused on revitalizing the education sector. Afegbua announced the recruitment of approximately 6,500 teachers and the rehabilitation of dilapidated schools, providing essential facilities such as desks, roofs, and toilets. The number of completed school projects has increased from 68 at the one-year mark to nearly 80.
In healthcare, the state government has prioritized expanding primary healthcare access, with 75 new centers constructed and a goal of 160 within four years. These facilities are equipped to provide immediate services at the grassroots level. Work has also resumed on the Stella Obasanjo Hospital, which was inherited at 55 percent completion. A focus on primary care, according to Afegbua, is the first point of contact for the people.
The government has also made significant investments in higher education, committing N2 billion to infrastructure development at Edo State University, Iyamho, and increasing its monthly subvention from N100 million to N250 million. Additionally, buses have been provided to improve student mobility.
Beyond infrastructure and social services, Afegbua highlighted economic support initiatives, including a N1 billion interest-free loan scheme for market women and another N1 billion earmarked for student bursaries. These initiatives aim to alleviate economic pressures and improve access to education.
While acknowledging a shift in security incidents from urban centers to the hinterlands, Afegbua maintained that overall security has improved significantly. He cited bush-combing operations, arrests, and the destruction of criminal hideouts. The government has procured over 100 Hilux vans and 300 motorcycles for security agencies, and has supported local vigilante operations, establishing a rapid response mechanism for road maintenance and emergency interventions. Local governments have also been empowered.