Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has outlined an ambitious vision for his administration, aiming to position the state as the fifth largest economy in Nigeria.
The governor made this announcement during a speech marking his first 100 days in office, emphasizing a strategic focus on agriculture, infrastructure, and youth skills development to drive economic growth.
Reflecting on his early achievements, Okpebholo expressed optimism about the state’s future, attributing this optimism to significant progress made in various sectors.
“From day one, our goal has been clear: to restore trust in leadership, create opportunities, and set Edo on the path to lasting progress,” he stated.
He assured citizens that the administration aims to facilitate sustainable economic growth over the next four years by leveraging Edo’s strategic location to attract large businesses and nurture small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Upon assuming office on November 12, 2024, Okpebholo noted that he inherited a state with immense potential but faced numerous challenges. During his initial term, he highlighted key achievements, including an increase in the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to over N10 billion, the highest recorded in the state’s history. This milestone was attributed to effective financial management strategies implemented by his administration.
Among other initiatives, the governor announced the launch of an interest-free loan scheme designed to support market women, farmers, and artisans, positively impacting over 5,000 entrepreneurs. He reported collaboration with the World Bank to provide grants to over 400 small business owners, bolstering resilience in the face of economic difficulties.
To address rising food prices, Okpebholo’s government took decisive action by banning market unions involved in price inflation, resulting in a notable decrease in food costs.
Additionally, the establishment of the first Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) Centre in the South-South region ensures that women receive specialized maternal care. The administration also initiated free malaria testing and treatment across government hospitals for the next two years, along with an upgrade of health facilities to enhance service delivery.
In terms of security, Okpebholo announced amendments to the Anti-Cultism and Anti-Kidnapping laws, imposing stricter penalties and contributing to a reduction in cult-related violence. The reconstitution of the Edo State Security Corps led to the recovery of over 3,500 illegal firearms, and the acquisition of 75 Toyota Hilux vehicles and 350 motorcycles aims to improve the mobility and responsiveness of security agencies.
Governor Okpebholo concluded by reiterating his commitment to making Edo State a beacon of economic prosperity and security, paving the way for a brighter future for its citizens.
