One Year In Office: How I Subdued, Defeated Violent Cultism In Edo — Okpebholo

As he marks his first year in office, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced that his administration has “subdued and defeated violent cultism” across the state through what he described as strategic security interventions, intelligence coordination, and unwavering political will.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo said the fight against cultism was one of the most decisive battles of his government, insisting that under his leadership, “the commercialization of killing will never be tolerated in Edo State.

“We will not commercialize killing. Every life in Edo matters to me. Our fight against cultism, kidnapping, and all forms of violent crime is total and irreversible,”

He disclosed that the government’s collaboration with the police, the DSS, and other security agencies has restored calm and order in communities once plagued by gang violence. “Today, Edo is safer, calmer, and freer than it has been in many years,” he affirmed.

Okpebholo emphasized that the war on violent groups was not politically motivated but rooted in his humanitarian drive to safeguard lives.

“What drives us is not the next election, but the next generation,” he said.

“We came to change the narrative after years of fear, neglect, and decay.”

According to the governor, coordinated operations across hotspots before and after Christmas last year drastically reduced cult-related killings, restoring nightlife and public confidence in Benin City and other towns.

“We have made Edo safe again. People now walk freely at night. That is what good governance is about, protecting lives and giving citizens confidence in their government,” Okpebholo declared.

The governor lamented the “state of decay” inherited from the previous administration but said his team refused to be distracted by complaints.

“We came into government empty. The last administration left dilapidated schools, broken roads, and a collapsing public service. But we acted, rebuilding schools, fixing roads, and restoring institutions.”

Within one year, schools across the three senatorial districts have been rebuilt, boosting teacher morale and parent confidence.

“When we took over, public schools had leaking roofs and no desks. Today, classrooms are functional again, and enrollment is rising,” he noted.

On economic growth, Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to food security under his S.H.I.N.E. Agenda, with plans to expand farmlands by 2026.

He also pledged transparency and financial prudence, revealing that despite inheriting ₦600 billion in debt, his government has begun repaying obligations while avoiding reckless borrowing.

“Edo’s resources don’t belong to me. We are restoring fiscal discipline and paying down debts,” he said.

The governor highlighted the Radisson Hotel project as one of the inherited financial burdens, consuming about ₦30 billion while giving Edo only a 20 percent stake. “We are paying ₦380 million monthly on that debt, but we will free Edo from financial captivity,” he assured.

Okpebholo disclosed that his government has cleared long-standing arrears owed to teachers, doctors, pensioners, and staff of the College of Education, Ekiadolor.

He also increased Ambrose Alli University’s monthly subvention from ₦41 million to ₦500 million, correcting what he described as “a shameful imbalance where a consultant earned more than the university.”

To ease transport challenges, he announced the procurement of 50 CNG-powered buses for distribution across Edo’s senatorial districts a move aimed at stimulating commerce and creating jobs.

Reflecting on his first year in office, Governor Okpebholo said his administration’s accomplishments mark only the beginning of Edo’s renewal.

“We have subdued violent cultism, restored safety, revived schools, reawakened agriculture, and reclaimed public trust.
But we’re not done yet. We’re rebuilding Edo, one step at a time, until every citizen feels the peace and prosperity we promised.”

He said “We will not return to the days of fear and bloodshed. Edo belongs to all of us together, we will protect it, rebuild it, and make it shine again.”