Okpebholo Secures Tinubu’s Fresh Commitment To Edo, As President Pledges More Federal Projects

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has secured a fresh commitment from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for increased federal investments in critical infrastructure and development projects across the state, as the President pledged sustained support for Edo in roads, healthcare, energy, agriculture, entrepreneurship and security.

The assurance was conveyed by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, which coincided with the second anniversary of the Okpebholo administration.

Addressing the mammoth gathering, Shettima reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to Edo State, stressing that the Federal Government recognised the strategic importance of the state in addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit.

According to him, the President has not abandoned the commitment made to Edo people during the 2023 electioneering campaign, assuring that more federal projects would be delivered to complement the development efforts of the Okpebholo administration.

“When we came to you four years ago, we said we could not address our nation’s infrastructure deficit without carrying Edo State along. We have not abandoned that agreement. We have come to assure you that you can count on us too,” the Vice President declared.

Shettima disclosed that work had commenced on the dualisation of major federal highways leading to Ekpoma, Auchi and Okpella, as well as the Benin-Agbor-Sapele Road, assuring that the Federal Government remained committed to expanding road infrastructure in the state.

He also highlighted the President’s commitment to supporting Edo in healthcare delivery, energy development, entrepreneurship, agriculture and security, while acknowledging ongoing efforts towards the return of Benin artefacts and the transfer of ownership of the Benin treasures to Nigeria.

The Vice President further commended Governor Okpebholo for his performance in office, describing his administration as a source of pride to the APC and noting that President Tinubu holds the Edo governor in high regard.

In his remarks, Governor Okpebholo expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for his support and commitment to Edo State, declaring that the state was prepared to reciprocate the President’s interventions with overwhelming electoral support in the January 2027 political contest.

The governor maintained that his administration had translated its promises into tangible results, citing the regular payment of salaries and pensions, alongside ongoing construction and infrastructural renewal across the state.

“In Edo State, we are ready to deliver come January 2027. The President has done so much for Edo people. Today, we don’t owe salaries. We don’t owe pensioners. Construction work is going on everywhere,” Okpebholo said.

He noted that the widespread construction activities across Edo were evidence of his administration’s determination to accelerate development, improve public infrastructure and prioritise the welfare of workers and pensioners.

Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, congratulated Governor Okpebholo on his second anniversary in office, commending his administration’s efforts towards repositioning the state for sustainable development.

Also speaking, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, lauded the governor and reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to strengthening its political fortunes.

The rally attracted an impressive array of political leaders, government officials, APC national and state executives, stakeholders and residents, who reaffirmed Edo State’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and the re-election bid of President Tinubu in 2027.

The event also provided an opportunity for Governor Okpebholo to showcase his administration’s two-year achievements and reaffirm Edo’s readiness to deliver on its electoral commitment to the President.