Tinubu Congratulates Okpebholo as He’s Inaugurated Governor

It was a colourful and glorious day for Senator Monday Okpebholo and Denis Idahosa as they were both inaugurated as the Governor and Deputy Governor of Edo State on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. The event was witnessed by the high and the low of the Edo State society.

Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu at the event and gave a speech of motivation and encouragement to the new Edo helmsman.

President Bola Tinubu on his part extended his heartfelt congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo on his inauguration today as the Governor of Edo State.  In his message, President Tinubu urged Governor Okpebholo to diligently work to enhance the living standards of the people of Edo State and make a significant impact during his tenure.  

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the state capital, two months after their declaration as winners of the September 21 off-cycle governorship election in Edo State by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Senator Okpebholo and his deputy defeated the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party, Asue Ighodalo and Olumide Akpata, during the poll.Following his triumph in the state governorship election held on September 21, 2024, Okpebholo officially took over from former governor Godwin Obaseki.  

Other dignitaries at the inauguration included the former governor of the state, Adams Oshiomole, the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, Babajide Sanw0-Olu, the Lagos state governor, Hope Uzodinma of Imo State; and the chairman of the governors’ forum, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, and Philip Shaibu, Edo’s reinstated former deputy governor. Reflecting on the transition, President Tinubu noted that after eight years under Obaseki’s administration, Edo State is rejoining the ranks of the All Progressives Congress. 

President Tinubu emphasised the importance of Governor Okpebholo justifying the confidence placed in him and the APC while fostering true democracy and effective governance in the state. He encouraged him to empower the Legislature and other vital government institutions throughout his administration, underscoring that a robust and independent legislature is essential for achieving democratic good governance.

In his inaugural address at the event, Senator Okpebholo dwelled on his five-point agenda. Namely Security; Road and Infrastructure Development; Affordable Healthcare; Water and Food Sufficiency; and Value-Driven Education throughout the state.

He further promised to support small-scale businesses, as he intended to prioritise the welfare of the people of the state. He also assured the state of implementing the principle of power.

“The welfare of our citizens is a top priority for us. To achieve this, we shall implement programmes, carefully outlined in my Five-point agenda, designed to grow robust economic growth and improve the lives of our people.

“They are Security; Infrastructure and Road Development; Affordable Healthcare; Water and Food Sufficiency, and Value-Driven Education across the state.

“For a long time now, our people have become victims of kidnapping and other violent crimes. To end this ugly situation, we will be firm in dealing with criminals and improve the security of our land, so that farming and other business activities will flourish again.

“The deplorable condition of our roads has made it difficult for people to move from one part of the State to another. Our policy to develop Road Infrastructure is targeted at constructing roads, drainages, and bridges, to ease transportation for all. We shall immediately commence work to make the roads passable again.

“We are also ready to partner with the federal government, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, those in the diaspora, and other stakeholders, to develop our State across all sectors.

“My administration shall support small businesses and market women with soft loans. Our teeming youthful population will not be left out. We shall support them in acquiring relevant skills for self-empowerment.

“My administration shall immediately swing into action to recruit teachers and rebuild the deplorable classrooms. Tertiary education will be strengthened in many ways too, to ensure quality education”.

The event was not attended by his predecessor, Mr Obaseki who had earlier complained of non-invitation to the event.