Okpebholo at 2: Tinubu promises Edo more roads, security, other projects
By Jethro Ibileke
Benin City erupted in celebration on Thursday as Governor Monday Okpebholo marked two years in office — and President Bola Tinubu used the moment to renew his promise to Edo State.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, told a massive APC crowd that Edo remains central to the Federal Government’s plan to fix Nigeria’s infrastructure.
According to Shettima, the agreement made with Edo people four years ago still stands.
“We have not abandoned that agreement,” he said. “You can count on us too.”
The Vice President listed roads already receiving federal attention: the dualisation of the Ekpoma, Auchi and Okpella roads, and the Benin-Agbor-Sapele road. He said more roads would follow.
Beyond roads, Shettima said the Federal Government is backing Edo in healthcare, energy, agriculture, entrepreneurship and security. He also highlighted the ongoing push to return Benin artefacts and transfer ownership of the Benin treasures to Nigeria.
He described Okpebholo as a governor who has made the APC proud, adding that President Tinubu holds him in high regard.
Governor Okpebholo, in turn, used the anniversary to thank the President and to make a bold political promise: 2.5 million votes for Tinubu on January 16, 2027.
He said Tinubu’s economic reforms — fuel subsidy removal, a single exchange rate, and tax reforms — had increased money available to states, allowing Edo to pay salaries and pensions on time while funding roads, healthcare, security and education.
“Today, we don’t owe salaries. We don’t owe pensioners. Construction work is going on everywhere,” Okpebholo said.
The governor recalled that exactly two years ago, on November 12, 2024, Edo people gave him the mandate to serve. He said his SHINE Agenda has moved the state from “PowerPoint promises to practical governance” — delivering results people can see and feel.
He pointed to education as a key gain, noting that over 15,000 Edo students have benefited from NELFUND. He also welcomed the creation of regional development commissions across the six geopolitical zones.
On projects specific to Edo, Okpebholo was emphatic.
The Benin-Auchi-Okene Road, long described as a nightmare for travellers, is now being reconstructed with concrete pavement technology.
Edo, which was not in the original plan for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, has now secured an extension of about 100 kilometres through the state — approved by the President.
On security, the list was equally long: an Army Forward Operating Base and MOPOL 82 Squadron in Edo Central, 500 Forest Guards recruited, trained and deployed, and a newly approved Army Division 83 in Edo State.
“Mr. President, we recognise your support, and we remain committed to deliver our promised 2.5 million votes,” Okpebholo said.
He urged APC leaders and members to return to their wards and polling units, engage voters, and deliver victory for the party from top to bottom in 2027 — Presidency, Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly.
Former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, now Senator for Edo North, congratulated Okpebholo on his second anniversary and praised his development drive.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma, who chairs the Progressive Governors’ Forum, also addressed the rally.
The event drew top government officials, APC national and state leaders, stakeholders and residents — all united in a message to the President: Edo is ready to deliver.