An elated father in one of the Whatsapp groups I belong recently posted an invitation flyer of her daughter, who was inducted into the Medical and Dentistry Profession on the 13th of February, 2025. As members sent in their congratulatory messages, one in particular caught my attention. It reads, “delay is not denial, God’s time is the best. Congratulations sir”.
I couldn’t help but smile as I reflected on the depth of that post. I realized, like many others in the group would have, that this feat/celebration, was almost becoming a mirage for this family as it was for many other medical graduates of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, until Senator Monday Okpebbholo came onboard as Governor of Edo State.
In this reawakening, my mind drifted as I reminisced on the ecstasies and joy that erupted in various parts of Benin metropolis, particularly in Uteh- Temboga community during the reconstruction of Uteh- Temboga – Ugbowo road. The road project successfully reconnected “Morocco and Spain”, a term used to describe a part of Uteh community that was divided into two by erosion and bad road, forcing residents to park their vehicles in “Morocco” while trekking to their homes in “Spain”.
Social and economic activities in that part of the State capital have since been revived, with landlords and business owners returning to their abandoned properties, all thanks to the midas touch of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
In the same vein, a broad smile engulfed my face as the images of the reinstated lecturers and professors in Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma flashed through my mind. These erudite scholars and purveyors of knowledge, were victims of the dictatorial and tyrannical rule of the ruthless General Hitler of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, who came to Edo with a sole mission to destroy and plunder.
Smiling, I remembered the shout of joy of civil and public servants in December when they received their 13th month salary. The songs of joy that greeted the exit of consultants from the service and the reinstatement of full rights and privileges of state civil and public servants to work and perform their lawful duties. The dancing that erupted at the Ministry of Education on November, 13th, 2024 on the exit of Hitler and his goons, the sigh of relief in SUBEB and the palpable joy in Government House in these past three months.
As I reflected on all these positives, and the calm and peace that have now engulfed Benin City, I felt an excruciating pain in my heart and a drop of hot tears as my mind inadvertently drifted to the sad, painful but avoidable cult wars that snuffed life out of some of our able bodied youths in Upper Sakponba and it’s environs during the infamous reign of Hitler Obaseki.
If Senator Monday Okpebholo could restore normalcy to Upper Sakponba and put a decisive end to cult-related crisis in Edo State within 100 days in office, why then did Obaseki look so helpless in the wake of these crises during his tenure? As I think on these, I couldn’t help but mirror the mothers of these fallen Edo youths, saying in their minds, as Lazarus sisters said to Jesus, “Monday Okpebholo, if you were Governor earlier, our sons would not have fallen to these cult wars”.
In all of these, one thing is clear and evident to all – Governor Monday Okpebholo’s First 100 days in office have dwarfed the eight years spent by his predecessor in the same office. Hitting the ground running from day one, virtually all sectors of the economy have felt the positive impacts of Okpebholo’s midas touch. Hope has been restored to Edo people and for the first time in almost a decade, there is a clear signal of where we are heading to as a people.
Okpebholo’s first 100 days in office shows a man who came prepared for governance and knew exactly what he wanted to do, and went for it. Unlike his predecessor, who was overwhelmed by the demands of office, Okpebholo has shown capacity and competence through his people-friendly policies, developmental strides and revamping of the State economy.
Nicknamed “Akpako-messiah” and “Waka Waka Governor” in many circles, Okpebholo has proven to be the messiah of Edo people, whose divine mandate is to rescue Edo people and bring dividends of democracy to them, speedily. A workaholic Governor, he follows up projects to ensure that standards and specifications are adhered to.
The decisive steps taken to curb and stop the lingering cultism war in the state, the declaration of war on cult-related activities, signing of the anti-cultism law shows the commitment of Governor Monday Okpebholo to security and respect for the sanctity of life of Edo people.
By partnering with the Nigerian Police and other security agencies in the State, many kidnapped victims have been rescued with kidnappers and other criminals arrested and made to face the consequences of their actions. This proactive approach, reaffirming the prioritizing of the security of lives and properties of Edo people has made the state safer and conducive for both citizens and investors.
Demonstrating strict financial prudence, and laying the framework for economic growth, Okpebholo’s administration has improved the State IGR from N8 billion to N10 billion. Hitting double digits for the first time, Edo State is set to experience even more growth and development in all sectors.
Giving priority to food sufficiency and economic growth, Monday Okpebholo recently initiated an interest-free loan for market men/women and traders in the State to help boost their businesses. Also, a large percentage of the 2025 budget was allocated for the agricultural sector with conclusions already being reached on massive mechanized farming across the three senatorial districts of the State.
As it is said in African proverbs, the morning determines the day, Okpebholo’s first 100 days in office have given the people Renewed Hope and a reason to believe that truly, a new modern Edo is possible. The indices show clearly that Edo is on a recovery path and that, in the next few years, going by the current spate of developments by this administration, Edo State will not only be one of the most viable States in the federation, but the envy of other States, living out its slogan, “the heartbeat of the federation”.
Truly, the story of Edo in the last 100 days could be sun up thus: Light has come, and the darkness is gone. There is a new Sheriff in town and his impact is evident to all. Joy has come, and a new Edo has Risen!
*Fred Itua is the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor
