Jubilant Crowds Hail Gov. Okpebholo’s Anniversary Tour, as He Inspects Landmark Projects Across Edo [PHOTOS]

It was a festival of cheers, music, and dancing across Edo State on Tuesday as Governor Monday Okpebholo embarked on his one-year anniversary inspection of major infrastructure projects, drawing massive crowds and a wave of celebration in the Southern Senatorial District.

From the renovated Army Day Secondary School in Ikpoba Hill to the rapidly rising Adesuwa Junction Flyover and the 8.23-kilometre Okpagha–Amufi Road, residents poured into the streets to salute what many described as “a new dawn of purposeful leadership.”

At Army Day Secondary School, jubilant students in sparkling uniforms waved flags and sang in excitement as the governor arrived. Teachers and parents joined in, holding placards that read “Okpebholo, the Hope Restorer!” and “Edo is Shining Again!”, a reflection of the growing optimism in the state.

Governor Okpebholo, visibly touched by the transformation of the once-neglected school, said he was proud of the progress made:

“When we came here last time, there were no roofs, no windows, and no proper classrooms. Today, we have air-conditioned laboratories, modern classrooms, and a secure environment. This is what true change looks like,”

he stated, announcing plans to install solar-powered streetlights across the school to boost security and nighttime learning.

The governor credited the achievements to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said continues to guide his people-centered policies.

Commissioner for Education, Hon. Paddy Iyamu, described the project as “a total rewrite of the story,” noting that the school, once unsafe and abandoned, now stands as a model for public education.

“Children used to clean their classrooms before lessons could begin. The governor has restored dignity to education in Edo State,” he added.

PDP chieftain Otunba Segun Sowunmi praised the governor’s leadership, calling the projects “investments in human capital” and affirming that “if this is one year, then the future of Edo under Okpebholo is bright indeed.”

Dr. Oduwale Egwaigie, chairman of the School Management Development Committee and an alumnus, lauded the intervention as “nothing short of historic.”

“For eight years, we pleaded for help. This governor acted within weeks. Parents are now moving their children from private schools to Army Day. That says it all,” he said.

From Ikpoba Hill, the governor’s convoy headed to Adesuwa Junction, where construction on Edo’s second flyover bridge is advancing faster than scheduled.

Engr. Phoebe Williams-Bello, Special Adviser on Project Monitoring, confirmed the project is six months ahead of schedule, adding that all affected property owners had been compensated.

“This is not a promise on paper,” she said. “It’s real development taking shape before our eyes.”

At the Okpagha–Amufi Road, residents erupted in jubilation as the governor arrived. The once-impassable route, now motorable, connects Ikpoba-Okha and Uhunmwonde Local Government Areas, easing access to markets and rural communities.

“For years, this road was a nightmare. Today, we can drive freely,” a community leader exclaimed. “Governor Okpebholo has restored our faith in government.”

The day ended in a carnival-like atmosphere, a spontaneous outpouring of joy as traders, artisans, and students thronged the streets waving banners and chanting songs of appreciation.

For many, it was more than just an anniversary, it was a celebration of hope, progress, and the rebirth of Edo State under a governor who has matched words with action.