Governor Monday Okpebholo has commissioned 54 construction equipment for the 18 Local Government Councils, describing the move as a major boost to grassroots economic development.
Speaking at a well attended ceremony in Benin, Okpebholo said the equipment handover aligns with the state’s SHINE Agenda, aimed at strengthening local government administration and delivering development to rural communities.
“Development must not be centralized. It must reach every village, every community, and every ward,” he stressed.
The governor emphasized that the equipment is meant to drive transformation, improve infrastructure, and support sanitation, adding that they belong to the people of Edo State and must be used transparently .
The Special Guest of Honour , the minister of Federal capital Territory ,Nyeson Wike while cutting the tape to commission the equipment praised the governor’s commitment to rural development and economic empowerment at the grassroots.
He said, “You have demonstrated that you love the economy of the local government. You have demonstrated that development must go to the rural areas. You have laid the foundation for Mr. President to be re-elected,”
He added, “Let me tell you, as the other opponent was busy deceiving people buying corn on the road, Mr. President was busy developing the FCT. FCT has 62 councillors, APC took 45, PDP took 17. This shows the ruling party from the opposition party.”
Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, said governance is about identifying with the ordinary man and using political will to protect their interests.
He said, “By the governor’s actions, he is demonstrating that under his watch the local government will be developed in Edo State. Gov. Okpebholo is changing the narrative, bringing development to Edo people across all sectors of the Edo economy,”
Speaking on behalf of council chairmen, the ALGON Chairman and Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area, Hon. Sunny Ekpeson, described the commissioning as a celebration of practical governance and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said, “We are here to take the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President to the grassroots. Governance stopped during the time of Adams Oshiomhole and it has resumed again now during the time of Monday Okpebholo,”
He noted that the event demonstrates that Governor Okpebholo is not interfering in local government administration, adding that infrastructural development is now visible across the state.
The APC Chairman in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, said the party has succeeded in driving out bad governance, noting that Governor Okpebholo has brought practical governance and visible development.
“I advised the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) not to come into Edo State as the governor is working and the state is not for other political parties,” Tenebe said, urging opposition parties not to constitute obstacles to development.
He added that no opposition could stop the 3.5 million votes promised to President Tinubu.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Edesili Anani Okpebholo, commended the administration for driving development to the grassroots.
“We thank him for the inclusion of women in governance. Edo women will support Governor Okpebholo’s vision of ensuring Edo delivers the state for APC come 2027,” she said, noting improvements in security, healthcare services and agriculture.
The ceremony, held in Benin City, was attended by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor Esq; the Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, RT Hon Blessing Agbebaku; and members of the Edo State House of Assembly; the 18 local government council chairmen, party leaders and other stakeholders.
