First Anniversary Celebration: Okpebholo Excited About Defeating Cultism, Says ‘Every Life in Edo Matters to Me’

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The governor of Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo, has expressed fulfillment that his administration has successfully subdued and defeated violent cultism in the state through a combination of strategic security interventions, intelligence coordination, and political will.

In a statement released in Benin City and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua on Thursday, Governor Okpebholo, said the battle against cultism was one of the most decisive and uncompromising campaigns of his administration, stressing that under his watch, the commercialization of killing will never be tolerated in Edo.

Speaking ahead of his first anniversary, Governor Okpebholo noted: “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.

“We have worked closely with the police, the DSS, and other security agencies to restore peace across the state. Today, Edo is safer, calmer, and freer than it has been in many years.”

Governor Okpebholo explained that the motivation behind his administration’s sustained offensive against violent groups was not political, but purely humanitarian.

“Serving Edo people is the most important thing to me. What drives us is not the next election but the next generation. We came to change the narrative and restore order after years of fear, neglect, and decay,” he said.

According to him, Edo State has made significant progress in tackling insecurity and rebuilding public confidence, thanks to a renewed focus on community collaboration and professional policing.

“Before Christmas last year, we witnessed multiple cult-related killings. We stepped in immediately because the life of every citizen is sacred. Since then, our coordinated approach has restored calm. Today, nightlife is back in Benin and other parts of the state,” he noted.

Governor Okpebholo disclosed that his administration has heavily invested in security operations by providing vehicles, logistics, and operational support to law enforcement agencies.

“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,” he said.

The Governor decried the state of decay inherited from the previous administration, but said his team refused to be deterred.

“We came into government empty. The last administration left behind dilapidated schools, broken roads, and a collapsing public service. But we didn’t dwell on complaints; we acted. We started fixing roads, rebuilding schools, and restoring public institutions,” he said.

He noted that in less than a year, his administration had rebuilt schools across the three senatorial districts, restoring the morale of teachers and trust among parents.

“When we took over, public schools had leaking roofs and no chairs or desks. That was the EdoBEST of the last government. Today, we have reconstructed and revitalised schools, and enrollment has surged because people now believe in the system again,” he affirmed.

On agriculture, the Governor reaffirmed his commitment to food security, one of the pillars of his administration’s S.H.I.N.E. Agenda.

“Agriculture is central to our development plan. In 2026, we will open up more farmlands and encourage our people to return to farming. The President is passionate about agriculture, and Edo will align with that vision to boost food supply and economic growth,” he said.

Governor Okpebholo also stressed the importance of financial prudence, transparency, and accountability, stating that his administration will not borrow recklessly.

“Edo’s resources don’t belong to me. We are managing funds prudently, paying debts, and restoring fiscal discipline. Despite the ₦600 billion debt left by the previous administration, we have started paying down those liabilities,” he said.

He pointed to the controversial Radisson Hotel project as one of the major financial burdens inherited from the past administration.

“That single project consumed about ₦30 billion, yet Edo owns only 20 percent. We are paying ₦380 million monthly on that debt. Still, we are determined to clear these obligations and free Edo from financial captivity,” he noted.

Governor Okpebholo said his government has also paid outstanding entitlements owed to teachers, doctors, pensioners, and staff of the College of Education, Ekiadolor.

“We are settling those debts in tranches because justice must be done to the workers who suffered under the previous regime,” he said.

On Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, he revealed that the institution’s monthly subvention has been increased from ₦41 million to ₦500 million.

“It was shameful that a consultant earned ₦57 million monthly while the university got ₦41 million. We have corrected that anomaly. Our universities must be properly funded,” he said.

He further disclosed that 50 CNG-powered buses have been ordered for distribution across the three senatorial districts to ease transportation, stimulate commerce, and create jobs.

“We are creating employment, boosting productivity, and attracting investors. Edo will soon be a model of economic renewal in Nigeria,” he added.

Reflecting on his first year in office, Governor Okpebholo said the achievements recorded so far were only the beginning.

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

He concluded with a message of unity and hope: “We will not go back 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.”