The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has declared that the State is safer and freer than it has been in many years, while commending his administration for its achievements in different sectors since assuming office.
Naijaonpoint reports that Okpebholo, in a statement on Thursday through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, declared that his administration has successfully subdued and defeated violent cultism in the State through a combination of strategic security interventions, intelligence coordination, and political will.
Okpebholo said the battle against cultism was one of the most decisive and uncompromising campaigns of his administration, stressing that under his watch, the commercialisation of killing would never be tolerated in Edo.
According to the Governor, the motivation behind his administration’s sustained offensive against violent groups was not political, but purely humanitarian.
He said, “We will not commercialise killing. Every life in Edo matters to me. Our fight against cultism, kidnapping, and all forms of violent crime is total and irreversible.
“We have worked closely with the police, the DSS, and other security agencies to restore peace across the State. Today, Edo is safer, calmer, and freer than it has been in many years.
“Serving Edo people is the most important thing to me. What drives us is not the next election but the next generation. We came to change the narrative and restore order after years of fear, neglect, and decay.”
Okpebholo also asserted that the State has made significant progress in tackling insecurity and rebuilding public confidence through a focus on community collaboration and professional policing.
He noted that his administration has heavily invested in security operations by providing vehicles, logistics, and operational support to law enforcement agencies.
He noted, “Before Christmas last year, we witnessed multiple cult-related killings. We stepped in immediately because the life of every citizen is sacred. Since then, our coordinated approach has restored calm. Today, nightlife is back in Benin and other parts of the State.
“We have made Edo safe again. People now walk freely at night. That is what good governance is about; protecting lives and giving citizens confidence in their government.”
The Governor also decried the State of decay inherited from the previous administration, stressing that his administration has rebuilt schools across the three senatorial districts, restoring the morale of teachers and trust among parents in less than a year.
He stated, “We came into government empty. The last administration left behind dilapidated schools, broken roads, and a collapsing public service. But we didn’t dwell on complaints; we acted. We started fixing roads, rebuilding schools, and restoring public institutions.
“When we took over, public schools had leaking roofs and no chairs or desks. That was the EdoBEST of the last government. Today, we have reconstructed and revitalized schools, and enrollment has surged because people now believe in the system again.”
Speaking on agriculture, the Governor reaffirmed his commitment to food security, saying, “Agriculture is central to our development plan. In 2026, we will open up more farmlands and encourage our people to return to farming. The President is passionate about agriculture, and Edo will align with that vision to boost food supply and economic growth.”
Governor Okpebholo also stressed the importance of financial prudence, transparency, and accountability, stating that his administration will not borrow recklessly.
He stressed, “Edo’s resources don’t belong to me. We are managing funds prudently, paying debts, and restoring fiscal discipline. Despite the ₦600 billion debt left by the previous administration, we have started paying down those liabilities.”
Okpebholo also pointed to the controversial Radisson Hotel project as one of the major financial burdens inherited from the past administration.
He stated that his government has paid the outstanding entitlements owed to teachers, doctors, pensioners, and staff of the College of Education, Ekiadolor.
He said, “That single project consumed about ₦30 billion, yet Edo owns only 20 percent. We are paying ₦380 million monthly on that debt. Still, we are determined to clear these obligations and free Edo from financial captivity.
“We are settling those debts in tranches because justice must be done to the workers who suffered under the previous regime.”
Governor Okpebholo stated that the achievements recorded so far are only the beginning and will continue until every citizen feels the benefits of democracy.
He concluded, “We have subdued violent cultism, restored safety, revived schools, reawakened agriculture, and reclaimed public trust. But we’re not done yet. We are rebuilding Edo, one step at a time, until every citizen feels the peace, progress, and prosperity we promised.
“We will not go back to the days of fear and bloodshed. Edo belongs to all of us. Together, we will protect it, rebuild it, and make it shine again.”
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