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By DADA AYOKHAI
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Thursday, 12th November, 2026, marked the second anniversary of his administration with a ceremony that also served as the flag off of APC Presidential Campaign in the state.
Welcoming guests to the State, described as the Heartbeat of Nigeria, the Governor recalled that exactly two years ago, on 12th November, 2024, the people of Edo State gave him the opportunity to serve them, and thanked them sincerely for their trust, support and continued belief in his vision for a better Edo State.
He said two years later, his administration has remained focused on the mandate given to it, noting that through the SHINE Agenda, the government is delivering practical governance, improving infrastructure, strengthening security, creating opportunities, supporting the people and rebuilding public institutions.
According to him, Edo has moved from PowerPoint promises to practical governance, with focus not on making promises that sound good, but on delivering results that people can see, feel and experience in their daily lives.
The Governor thanked the President for his support and pledged to deliver the promised 2.5 million votes on 16th January, 2027, charging all party leaders and members across the state to return to their wards and polling units to engage and win over voters for victory for the APC from top to bottom, from the Presidency to the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly.
He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his courage, leadership and unwavering support for Edo State, noting that when the President assumed office, he inherited an economy facing deep structural challenges and made difficult but necessary decisions that other past leaders could not make.
He listed the removal of fuel subsidy, introduction of a single foreign exchange rate, and comprehensive tax reforms as part of the President’s reforms intended to lay a solid foundation for economic growth, adding that the removal of fuel subsidy has significantly increased revenues available to the three tiers of government.
The Governor also noted that the Tinubu administration has established regional development commissions across the six geopolitical zones to coordinate development, address infrastructure gaps and promote balanced economic growth, and has demonstrated clear commitment and support to Edo State.
He recalled that for years, the Benin-Auchi-Okene Road was a nightmare to the people, but reconstruction using concrete pavement technology is now progressing on the road, while Edo State, which was not included in the original route of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, got a presidential approval for an extension of about 100 kilometres across the state.
On security, Okpebholo said the President approved the establishment of an Army Forward Operating Base and MOPOL 82 Squadron in Edo Central, while the Federal Government has also recruited, trained and deployed 500 Forest Guards in Edo State, in addition to the recent approval of a new Army Division 83 in the state.
