The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has outlined his administration’s achievements in his first 100 days in office.
In his address at an event commemorating the administration’s first 100 days, held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, the governor said he has laid a strong foundation for progress across critical sectors in the state.
Noting that he met a state full of potential but facing challenges, Okpebholo said the focus and goal of his administration were clear from the first day – “to restore hope in leadership, create opportunities and set Edo on the path of lasting progress.”
He noted that there is so much to be done, and his administration is taking steps to turn its vision into reality.
The governor recounted his administration’s successes in the areas of security, infrastructure, natural resources, agriculture, and education, assuring the people that more benefits are in the offing.
He said: “We have taken significant steps in strengthening our economy by increasing our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by N10 billion, as we took our drive to corporate bodies.
“We have done away with wasteful consultants, and invested resources in strengthening public efficiency and our commitment to job creation is evident in the growth of the public service, as well as our talent development programme where the best minds contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of Edo State.
“Our administration understands that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the bedrock of our economy and so, we launched an interests-free loans scheme for market women, farmers and artisans which will benefit over 5,000 people in collaboration with the World Bank.
“We have disbursed grants to over 400 small business owners, ensuring resilience in the face of economic challenges.”
While highlighting his achievements in food, security and agriculture, the governor said his administration had banned market unions that were responsible for price inflation in all the markets to make food readily available for the people.
MEANWHILE, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Umar Ganduje, and former Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, have expressed satisfaction with the performance of Okpebholo in just 100 days in office, saying the current administration has demonstrated practical governance within the period under review, as there are evidence to show for its achievements.
Ganduje commended the governor for his developmental strides in the state, saying Okpebholo is a progressive and a performer.
Oshiomhole, who spoke on the theme, ‘Practical Governance: A New Edo Has Risen’, said the state is truly rising, as the Okpebholo administration is working hard to fix the state.
Oshiomhole added that the administration is working without signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or hiring consultants to help develop the state.
