By Kassim Afegbua
In the face of ridicule and underestimation, Governor Monday Okpebholo has proven that leadership is not defined by noise but by results. Branded with dismissive labels and belittled as unlettered during the election season, he quietly defied expectations. Today, he governs Edo State not with bombast but with clarity, competence, and conviction.
Since assuming office, Governor Okpebholo has embarked on a silent revolution—an understated, yet impactful transformation that is reshaping Edo State. Far removed from the loud promises of the past, his leadership speaks through roads under construction, schools being rebuilt, and hospitals being revived. Over 275 kilometers of roads are currently undergoing construction across the state, bringing relief to long-abandoned communities. More than 50 dilapidated schools are being renovated, and over 2,500 new teachers have been recruited to restore quality education to public schools.
In the health sector, the recruitment of additional doctors and nurses has been matched with tangible investments in infrastructure. His administration is also tackling gully erosion and ecological threats with the same level of urgency, marking a clear break from the passive, MoU-driven governance of the past.
Okpebholo’s style is disarmingly simple. He prioritizes results over rhetoric. And he’s building on promises made—constructing overhead bridges at Ramat Park and Sapele Road in Benin City to resolve decades-long traffic congestion. Roads that were once dismissed as federal liabilities have now been rehabilitated, and new ones are opening up trade routes and economic corridors.
His leadership mantra—anchored in prudence and accountability—is resonating. Contractors, accustomed to the notorious “10 percent” culture, now face a zero-tolerance stance on kickbacks. In Governor Okpebholo’s government, you deliver the job or you exit the stage. That discipline, combined with a value-for-money philosophy, has seen Edo’s Internally Generated Revenue soar from ₦5 billion to ₦10 billion monthly—a staggering 100% increase within months.
What makes this even more remarkable is the calm, measured temperament behind the transformation. Okpebholo’s humility has been mistaken by some for weakness, but his political will and emotional intelligence have repeatedly proved otherwise. He governs with quiet strength, navigating challenges without theatrics, and applying firmness when necessary.
Even in the face of political opposition, the governor has remained focused. While the PDP flounders in internal disarray, unable to mount a coherent challenge, Okpebholo continues to deepen his roots in governance. His administration’s performance is doing the talking, and the people are listening.
The recent hosting of the APC Governors’ Forum in Benin City was not just a political event—it was a cultural and economic statement. Dressed in traditional regalia that celebrated Benin’s heritage, APC governors showcased Edo’s pride to the world. The symbolism was powerful: tradition and progress can go hand in hand.
Under Project S.H.I.N.E—Security, Health, Infrastructure, Natural Resources/Agriculture, and Education—Okpebholo is building a new Edo with discipline, focus, and heart. From revamped public transportation buses that boldly declare “A New Edo is Rising” to the expanding reach of government programs, the message is unmistakable.
Governor Okpebholo is not just working. He is leading a renaissance. And Edo State, once burdened by unfulfilled promises, is now marching confidently toward its future.
