Edo 2024: Meet Senator Monday Okpebholo, APC’s Governorship Candidate

On Saturday, September 21, Edo State citizens would go to the poll to elect who will replace Governor Godwin Obaseki in the Osadebey Government House.

One of the 18 candidates, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is Senator Monday Okpebholo, alias, Akpakomiza. The name Akpakomiza is a controversial one if interpreted in English: “one who has a wicked mind” and “a man of integrity.” Political friends and foes choose the meaning they want.

Senator Okpebholo was born to Chief and Mrs. Peter Okpebholo, on 29 August 1970, in Udomi-Uwessan community, Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State.

Monday Okpebholo had his primary education in his hometown of Udomi-Uwesan at Udomi Community Primary School. For his secondary education, he attended Ujabhole Community Secondary School. He, however, completed his secondary school journey in Jos, Plateau State where he obtained his West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate.

For his higher education pursuit, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Edo governorship candidate obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Abuja and Masters’ degree in Policy and Leadership Studies from the same institution.

He also attended several courses, training and workshops across the globe including Intelsat Technical Training in Fuchsstadt Teleport, Germany and in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2012. Okpebholo was one of the first Nigerians selected to be trained in the use of satellites in Tel Aviv, Israel, by Gilat Satcom Network, in 2004.

Okpebholo is married to Blessing Okpapi Ekpe and together they have 2 children. A politician, businessman and a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

In 1999, Okpebholo started a business. He got his first contract from the NASCO group of companies to supply computers and computer accessories. It is in this contract that he made his first ₦150,000, from which his career and business life started.

As an astute businessman and entrepreneur, Okpebholo has his hands in the hospitality, construction, oil and gas, agriculture and communication sectors. Two of his companies in the communication sector include Chapman Computers Limited and Interweb Satcom.

For his political life, in 2003, Okpebholo contested to represent the people of the then Okpeho Federal Constituency, now Esan Central, Esan West and Igueben Federal Constituency, under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Monday Okpebholo is the senator representing Edo Central under the APC. He is also the Chairman Senate Committee on Public Procurement. He has also attracted projects to his constituency including the reconstruction of Benin/Ekpoma/Auchi expressway and the Control of the erosion situation along Ewu/Uromi/Agbor road, among others.