Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, marked his first year in office with a firm message of action, discipline and results, speaking boldly on security, health reforms, governance and the 2027 elections.
Okpebholo during a media interface, said leadership is easiest when anchored on respect, but insisted public safety requires uncompromising strength.
He revealed that nightlife has fully returned to Benin after years of violence, noting that his administration has crushed the criminal gangs destabilizing the State.
“We warned them. They tested us. We acted decisively,” he said, confirming arrests and demolition of gang hideouts.
On kidnapping, the Governor said the State has turned the corner. Over 300 vigilante personnel have been trained and deployed, contributing to three straight weeks with reduced crime rate. “Edo is not a place for criminals,” he declared.
He reaffirmed strong support for State Police, describing grassroots policing as the future of Nigeria’s security architecture.
Okpebholo also spoke on sweeping reforms in the health sector, which he described as “comatose” before he took office. He confirmed that over 80 primary healthcare centres have now been renovated across all 18 LGAs, with newly recruited doctors and nurses deployed and retained through improved remuneration.
A former deputy governor, he said, personally thanked him after his mother’s community received its first-ever resident doctor.
On infrastructure, the Governor highlighted the revival of the iconic Edo Line, now strengthened with 50 new CNG buses, adding to the 100 already delivered under his administration.
Turning to politics, Okpebholo expressed confidence that the APC remains the party to beat ahead of the 2027 general election.
“We promised 2.5 million votes, and we are not joking,” he said, adding that President Tinubu’s support has amplified the party’s popularity across Edo State.
He pointed to ongoing flyovers at Ramat Park and Adesuwa, as well as new road networks along Sapele Road, as proof that performance, not propaganda will shape 2027.
Okpebholo concluded with a promise:
“Edo people trusted me to deliver. I will not betray that trust.”
