Edo State governor, Monday Okpehbolo, on Tuesday, said his administration has created over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs since he assumed office as governor.

The Governor, who stated this while speaking during the celebration of his administration’s one year in office, disclosed that the administration also launched a ₦1 billion interest-free loan scheme for small businesses and traders in the state.

According to him, his first year in office has been about restoring trust, rebuilding foundations, and replacing PowerPoint governance with Practical Governance that touches lives and transforms communities.

Okpehbolo, while disclosing that the administration inherited over ₦600 billion in local and foreign debts and ₦180 billion owed to contractors, said that through prudent management and transparency under the SHINE Agenda, the burden had been reduced significantly.

“Today’s celebration is not just about marking one year in office, but a testimony that God rules in the affairs of men.

“When I assumed office a year ago, I met a state weighed down by rot, debt, insecurity, and distrust. But with determination, prayer, and teamwork, we have begun to restore hope, rebuild institutions, and renew confidence in government.

“On Security: When we came in, Edo was almost a war zone, plagued by cult killings, kidnappings, armed robbery, and cybercrime. In 2024 alone, over 300 cult-related killings were recorded. We acted decisively, repealed the weak anti-cultism law, passed a stronger one, supplied 60 Hilux vans and 400 motorcycles to security agencies, and recruited and trained 2,500 officers into the Edo State Security Corps. These measures have drastically reduced insecurity. Let it be known: Edo will no longer be a safe place for criminals.”

On healthcare, Okpehbolo said his administration met a collapsing system where hospitals lacked drugs and workers’ morale was low.

“We have begun rebuilding from the ground up. We are constructing new Primary Health Centres in 18 wards, providing diagnostic machines across local governments, and building a new 100-bed Specialist Hospital in Udomi, Edo Central.

“On Infrastructure: We inherited deplorable roads and neglected communities. Within one year, we have awarded 28 new road projects totalling 255 kilometres. For the first time in Edo’s history, we are constructing two flyovers, at Ramat Park and Adesuwa-Sapele Road,” the governor disclosed.

Speaking on Education, the Governor said his administration met most schools in decay and children learning under poor conditions.

He said, “We immediately began school renovations and teacher recruitment. Today, 5,000 teachers have been permanently employed, and 63 schools have been upgraded to modern standards. We also increased Ambrose Alli University’s subvention from ₦41 million to ₦500 million monthly.”

In a goodwill message, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Netawe Yilwatda, congratulated Okpehbolo, saying: “We are proud of you; we congratulate the people of Edo State.”

On his part, former Governor of the State and Senator representing Edo North, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, commended the synergy between the Executive arm and members of the State House of Assembly, which he noted made the achievements in the first year possible.

He said Okpehbolo is giving practical evidence to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu through the projects he is executing, praising the flyover bridges for their economic value.