Governor Okpebholo reports Edo SHINE agenda achievements, citing gains in security, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and education in his first year
Governor Monday Okpebholo has highlighted significant progress in Edo State under his first year in office, crediting the administration’s five-point SHINE agenda with driving improvements across security, healthcare, infrastructure, natural resources and agriculture, and education.
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Presenting his one-year report, Governor Okpebholo described inheriting a state weighed down by debt, insecurity, and institutional distrust.
He said the administration, through determination, teamwork, and prayer, had begun restoring hope and confidence while reforming governance processes, including ending reliance on consultants and motivating civil servants.
In security, the governor created a Special Security Squad in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other agencies, enacted stronger anti-cultism and anti-kidnapping laws, and reinforced the Edo State Security Corps with 2,500 trained officers.
Security investments included 60 Hilux vehicles and 400 motorcycles, contributing to a reported drastic reduction in kidnappings, cult killings, armed robbery, and cybercrime.
Healthcare initiatives include the construction of a 100-bed Specialist Hospital and a School of Nursing in Udomi, as well as the establishment of over 50 Primary Health Centres across Edo State.
On infrastructure, Governor Okpebholo cited legacy projects such as the flyovers at Ramat Park and Adesuwa Junction along Sapele Road.
The administration has also awarded 28 new road projects totaling 255 kilometres, while reducing over N600 billion in debts and N180 billion owed to contractors.
Job creation and economic empowerment remain central, with over 10,000 jobs created and a N1 billion interest-free loan scheme for small businesses.
Governor Okpebholo’s assertive management style has extended to political appointees and traditional institutions, with several officials and four conventional rulers dismissed within the first year for alleged noncompliance, underperformance, or security concerns.
Despite these achievements, some of Governor Okpebholo’s policies, particularly the regulation of drivers’ unions and market associations, have faced public criticism.
Measures to curb extortion and harassment included banning certain unions, aiming to increase Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and curb illegal activities.
The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has disputed the governor’s reported successes, claiming the administration’s achievements do not match the state’s substantial revenue inflows.
Edo PDP Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, argued that roads, public utilities, and social services remain in poor condition, local governments are dysfunctional, and citizens face opaque governance structures.
Also read: Okojie Lauds Okpebholo’s Leadership in Edo Revival
While supporters credit Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE agenda with stabilising security, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering economic opportunities, critics maintain that transparency, measurable impact, and coherent development frameworks remain elusive.
