Okpebholo’s First 100 Days: Turning Dreams into Reality

By Elvis Omoregie

On November 12, 2024, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was sworn in as the Governor of Edo State, stepping into office amidst daunting economic challenges. In just 100 days, his administration has set a clear direction, transforming campaign promises into tangible realities.

Sourcenews MD/CEO, Elvis Omoregie, chronicles the key achievements of Governor Okpebholo’s administration in this short but impactful period.

Tackling Infrastructure Deficits: The Ramat Park Flyover and Beyond

One of the flagship projects that has endeared Governor Okpebholo to Edo residents is the construction of a flyover bridge at Ramat Park, Benin City. The area has long been plagued by severe traffic congestion, making commuting a nightmare for workers, traders, and residents. Despite calls for intervention, successive administrations ignored the issue, dismissing the need for a flyover.

Breaking from the past, Governor Okpebholo, within his first week in office, flagged off the construction of the much-needed bridge. The project, awarded to CCECC Nigeria Limited, is expected to be completed within 18 months.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to modernizing Benin City’s infrastructure:

"During our campaigns, I promised to construct flyovers to ease transportation and reduce traffic gridlock. Today, we are here fulfilling that promise. Apart from Ramat Park, we will also construct flyovers at Dawson Road Junction and Sapele Road/Adesuwa Road Junction."

The governor emphasized that these projects will not only improve urban mobility but also enhance the city’s economic potential.

He said: “I warmly welcome you to the ground breaking and flag-off ceremony of the construction of the Ramat Park Flyover here in Benin city.

“We have gathered to witness the beginning of a very important project that will transform the economy and social fortunes of our capital city and indeed Edo state. Ramat Park is a gateway to Benin city and other parts of the country.

“Therefore, Ramat Park Fly-Over will provide a new lease of life for motorists in Benin City and communities along these two corridors; the Benin-Auchi Expressway and the Benin-Asaba Expressway.

“During our campaigns a few months ago, I specifically promised to construct fly-overs to ease transportation and reduce the traffic gridlock in our city. Today, one week into my administration, we are here to fulfil that promise and deliver the dividends of democracy.

“Benin City was the first capital city of Africa when Europeans first came to the continent in the 14th century. So, we must give the city a befitting facelift to also encourage the development of tourism.

Let me assure Edo people that in the execution of this project, my administration will abide by all relevant laws.

“To our motorists here, please bear with us, as you also make some sacrifices by being patient with the contractors throughout the next 18 months.”

Residents have expressed their appreciation for this bold step. Amen Ogbemudia, daughter of a former Edo State governor and a resident of the area, lauded Okpebholo’s visionary leadership, noting that his proactive governance is restoring hope to the people. Similarly, Emmanuel Aigbogun, a youth leader in Oregbeni Community, described the governor’s intervention as historic:

“You made a promise, and you are here to fulfill that promise today by doing the ground-breaking and flag off of the Ramat Park flyover. We are behind you and will continue to support your administration,” 

“This is a promise made and fulfilled. Governor Okpebholo has written his name in gold he said.”

Restoring the Benin Monarchy’s Rights Over Artefacts

Another major achievement in Okpebholo’s first 100 days is his decisive action to restore the full statutory rights of the Benin Monarch over the ancient artefacts looted during the 1897 British invasion.

His administration revoked a controversial decision by the previous government to house the returned Benin Bronzes in the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), instead affirming support for the construction of the Benin Royal Museum under the direct custody of the Oba of Benin.

Governor Okpebholo’s stance aligns with a Federal Government Gazette that officially recognizes the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, as the rightful custodian of the repatriated artefacts.

In addition, the governor annulled the creation of new traditional councils in Edo South, restoring the Benin Traditional Council’s (BTC) full authority and reinstating its statutory financial entitlements.

 “My administration respects the customs and traditions of the land and is committed to ensuring that the Oba of Benin remains the sole custodian of the returned artefacts,” the governor stated.

His actions have been widely applauded by the Benin Palace and cultural stakeholders, who view them as a correction.

Judicial Reforms: Swearing in Denied Judges:

Governor Okpebholo has also recorded significant progress in judicial administration. In line with his promise during his swearing-in ceremony, he rectified an anomaly from the previous administration by swearing in three judges who had been denied their rightful appointments despite being recommended by the National Judicial Council (NJC) in 2023.

The judges—Justices Ojo Maureen Osa, Okundamiya Godwin Jeff, and Edoghogho Eboigbe—had been excluded when five of their colleagues were sworn in earlier in May 2024.

During their inauguration at the Festival Hall in Government House, Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding justice and fairness:

"No individual should be denied their rightful place due to discrimination or lack of political connections. Our judiciary must be independent and merit-based."

The Governor sued the new judges of the state High Court to uphold high standards of conduct, ensure fair dispute resolution, uphold rights of citizens, and bring culprits to justice, in the discharge of their duties.

Justice Ojo Maureen Osa, who responded on behalf of her contemporaries, appreciated the Governor for upholding the recommendations of the NJC concerning them and the opportunity given them to serve as judges in the State.

She prayed that the Governor’s tenure will be marked with success and advancement of justice for all and assured him that they will dispense justice without fear or favour

Expanding Road Infrastructure and Rural Development:

Governor Okpebholo has also taken bold steps to improve Edo’s road network. Within his first 100 days, he has launched multiple road rehabilitation projects across the state.

Key projects include:

Upper Mission Road Extension (Aduwawa Junction) – A critical road plagued by years of neglect, now undergoing reconstruction.

Obadan Junction Road – A strategic route connecting Edo to Onitsha and the northern states, receiving urgent repairs.

Describing the Obadan road as very important and strategic to the State, Governor Okpebholo said when the road is fixed, it will boost commerce and industry and open up the State for economic growth and development.

“This road is very important to us. It leads to Agor, Onitsha, and Northern parts of the country. The road is very strategic to us as a State. It is located in Edo State, and it is important as it will boost the economy of the State.

“We assumed office about six days ago, and we have hit the ground running and will continue to work as we are flagging off flyovers in Edo State. It is work, work, and more work for my administration,” he noted.

Benin-Auchi Expressway Repairs – Addressing failed portions to facilitate smoother transportation.

The governor’s intervention has been met with widespread relief among road users, with many praising his hands-on approach.

 “We assumed office just days ago, and we have already hit the ground running. It is work, work, and more work,” the governor assured

Revamping Education: Ambrose Alli University and Teacher Recruitment

In the education sector, Governor Okpebholo has initiated significant reforms aimed at repositioning Edo State’s learning institutions.

A major milestone is the increase of monthly subvention for Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, from N41 million to N500 million—a staggering 1,119.5% boost. This move has helped stabilize the university, ensuring the prompt payment of salaries and the reinstatement of illegally disengaged staff.

Additionally, the governor has:

Recruited 500 new teachers for basic and post-basic schools.

He has embarked on other educational projects like the construction and furnishing of Eweka Primary School in Benin City; construction and renovation of New Era College, Benin City; construction and renovation of Ebomisi Secondary School, Ebomisi; and, construction and renovation of Illeh Primary School, Esan West.

Others are construction and renovation of Irrua Girls Grammar School, Irrua, construction and renovation of Udomi Primary School Uwessan. He has also taken steps to revamp all Technical Colleges in the State.

Secured accreditation for three new Higher National Diploma (HND) programs at Edo State Polytechnic, Usen.

Governor Okpebholo has also inaugurated a new Governing Council for Ambrose Alli University and resolved a lingering crisis that had delayed the induction of 128 medical graduates from AAU’s College of Medicine.

The governor has also embarked on massive reconstruction, renovation and remodelling of over 100 schools across the three Senatorial Districts of the State within his 100 days in office.

He said  another set of 120 schools have already been earmarked for reconstruction, renovation and remodelling across the state.

Governor Okpebholo stressed that the massive infrastructural development in the education sector marks the commitment of his government to ensuring that Edo children get the best facilities in terms of learning, adding that his administration is achieving a lot in the education sector.

“I have visited several schools this morning and you can see for yourself the massive renovation, reconstruction and remodelling of the schools we have visited. What you have seen on ground is the power of Mr President, not my power. This is because he has mandated us to do this for our people.

“Edo people are happy. We will continue to do more for the benefit of our people. By the time we will be one or two years in office, Edo State and its people would have experienced a lot of transformation across the state in the education and other sectors. 

“This is a thing of joy coming into a school that was abandoned by the previous administration.

"But today, it is different as our children can come here to learn under a very conducive and peaceful atmosphere,” he said.

His administration’s proactive steps in education signal a commitment to restoring Edo State’s academic excellence.

Security 

Determined to sustain the gains recorded in his campaign against cultism and killings, the governor facilitated the passage into law, the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Bill, 2025. 

The new law, which repeals the Edo State Secret Cult (Prohibition) Law, 2018, provides stiffer sanctions for cultists, their sponsors and collaborators.

Knowing the place of mobility in the fight against crimes, the governor procured several brand new Toyota Hilux vehicles for the various security agencies in Edo State to enhance security operations in the State.

This was aside the procurement of 1,000 high functional motorcycles for security operations in hard-to-reach terrains to ensure rapid response and tactical pursuit of kidnappers and other criminals.

The governor also constituted the Public Safety Response Team to assist security agencies in the enforcement of public safety measures and maintenance of public order.

In addition, Governor Okpebholo reconstituted the Edo State Security Corps, ensuring the revalidation of its members as well as illegal arms mop-up. It is interesting to note that over 5,000 illegal firearms have been recovered so far. 

Natural Resources And Agriculture

In order to immediately reduce the cost of living and make life easier for the people, the governor on assumption of office banned Market Unions who hitherto fixed exorbitant prices for goods and food items arbitrarily.

On December 31, 2024, the governor also signed an Executive Order for the Establishment, Adoption and Implementation of the Principles of Framework for responsible and inclusive Land-intensive Agricultural Investments (FRILIA). 

This is a set of pro-people guidelines that encouraged transparency and accountability in large-scale agricultural practices.

Governor Okpebholo also granted approval for the establishment of the State Road Fund (SRF) and Rural Access Road Agency (RARA), requirements under the FRILIA RAAMP programme. This will qualify Edo State to access the $500 million World Bank grant for Rural Agricultural Development.

It is also worthy to note that the governor recently increased the Budget of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security from an insignificant N5.9 billion in 2024 to over N70 billion in 2025, marking a record breaking 1,086% increase. The aim is to boost food products and sufficiency.

The governor also distributed 8,188 bags of fertilizer to 4,094 farmers, facilitated the raising of 34,576 cocoa seedlings with Bass Cocoa Farms, facilitated the building of a Model Facility Veterinary Hospital as well as the disbursement of over N500 million to empower 1,797 farmers in the State under the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project.

Governor Okpebholo also approved the sum of N1.6 billion to cover the remaining eight local government areas not captured by the project.

The governor has also declared a back-to-farm initiative to boost food production across the state.

The back-to-farm initiative is an agricultural revolution in the state through which the Okpebholo administration plans to establish farms in the three senatorial districts as well as provide farmers with the needed incentives to produce more food for the nation.

Employment 

The governor also approved the release of the long-awaited promotion letters for 8,476 primary and junior secondary school teachers across the state’s 18 local government areas.

“It is the commitment of Governor Monday Okpebholo to ensure that every teacher receives the recognition he or she deserves. By directing the release of these promotion letters, Governor Okpebholo is not only acknowledging their hard work but also taking a firm step towards enhancing the overall quality of education in Edo State,” Executive Chairman of Edo State Universal Basic Education (Edo-SUBEB), Mrs Onomen Goodness Briggs, said while announcing the approval.

She expressed her gratitude to Governor Okpebholo, saying, “Governor Okpebholo’s proactive approach has breathed new life into the basic education sector. Our collaborative efforts are geared towards a comprehensive reform that prioritises our educators and, ultimately, our students.”

The initiative, covering promotions from 2022 to January 2024, is expected to reinvigorate the morale of the teaching community, where performance had been hampered by prolonged stagnation in career advancement.

Stakeholders have welcomed the move, anticipating that improved teachers’ satisfaction will lead to better classroom outcomes and a more dynamic educational environment.

“This bold action underscores Governor Okpebholo’s dedication to transforming the education sector and ensuring that past administrative delays do not impede progress. 

As his administration continues to roll out reforms, this directive serves as a clear indicator of his resolve to address systemic challenges and deliver tangible results within his first 100 days in office,” the SUBEB Chairman added.

Revamps State Own Media (EBS)

Governor Monday Okpebholo has pledged to revamp the Edo Broadcasting Service to position it as a globally competitive media organization.

The governor, who was received by the station’s Managing Director, Suleiman Aledeh, expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of infrastructure and pledged to address challenges, including epileptic power supply, lack of a proper studio, and deteriorating access roads.

“You outlined your problems to me, and today, I am here to see them for myself. The issues, such as no electricity and bad roads, must be resolved. This is Edo State property, and it serves the people. We will explore alternatives for electricity, including solar power or brand-new generators, to ensure the station operates 24 hours a day,” Okpebholo said.

He further urged the station’s management and staff to remain professional and not hesitate to criticize his administration when necessary.

“I am here to serve Edo people. If I am going wrong, don’t shy away from telling me,” he added.

Aledeh acknowledged the governor’s proactive approach, stating that EBS faces significant challenges that require urgent intervention.

He emphasised the station’s vision of competing with global media organizations and its mandate to serve as more than just a government mouthpiece.

The governor has still extended his hands to the Observer Newspapers.

A Promising Start to a New Era

Governor Monday Okpebholo’s first 100 days in office have been marked by bold decisions, swift action, and a clear commitment to good governance. From infrastructure development to judicial reforms, cultural preservation, and education revitalization, his administration has demonstrated a willingness to break from the past and chart a new course for Edo State.

While challenges remain, the governor’s early achievements suggest that Edo State is on the path to transformation. If these first 100 days are any indication, the future holds great promise for the people of Edo.