By Eshioromeh Sebastian
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State marked two years in office on Thursday, November 12, 2026, reporting gains across security, infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, sports, transportation and economic empowerment, while acknowledging that challenges remain.
The administration’s two-year record was contained in a statement issued in Benin City by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, which said the governor had pursued his SHINE Agenda — Security, Healthcare, Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Agriculture, and Education — since taking office in 2024.
Security: Cult killings near zero, 2,500 corps personnel trained
According to the statement, the government “crashed cult-related killings to almost zero” through a combination of manpower, equipment and legal reform. It recruited and trained 2,500 Edo State Security Corps personnel and engaged 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security in forest communities, while providing more than 100 patrol vehicles and 600 motorcycles to security agencies.
The administration also strengthened the legal framework against kidnapping and cultism, including the establishment of a Special Criminal Court to accelerate the prosecution of offenders. More than 500 cult members have publicly renounced their membership under a government rehabilitation and amnesty programme, the statement said.
Infrastructure: 600km of roads, flyovers underway
The government said it had commenced road projects covering more than 600 kilometres, alongside drainage, erosion control and urban renewal works. The Ramat Park Flyover is awaiting commissioning, while construction continues on the Adesuwa Junction Flyover.
Other projects listed include Sapele Road, Palace Road in Uteh, Ogheghe, Temboga and Old Sapele roads, as well as erosion control works at Ekenwan Army Barracks and Obaseki Street, Ikpoba Hill. The administration also distributed 54 heavy-duty construction machines to the state’s 18 local government areas.
Healthcare: 70 PHCs upgraded, 2,000 workers recruited
In the health sector, about 70 primary healthcare centres were upgraded, while the Anegbette and Obayantor General Hospitals reopened after years of closure. More than 2,000 healthcare workers were recruited, and diagnostic equipment provided across the 18 local government areas.
Construction continues on the 150-bed Edo Specialist Hospital at Udomi and a general hospital at Iguobazuwa, according to the statement, which added that more than 600,000 residents are now enrolled in the state health insurance scheme.
Education: 5,000 teachers absorbed, 65 schools upgraded
The government absorbed 5,000 contract teachers into permanent employment and approved another 3,000 appointments, while upgrading 65 public schools. More than 15,000 students benefited from NELFUND, the statement said.
Okpebholo, it added, received the 2025 New Telegraph Governor of the Year (Education) award and the NECO Award of Excellence.
Agriculture, sports and empowerment
On agriculture, the administration acquired 36 tractors, cultivated about 1,000 hectares and constructed five warehouses. Through LIFE-ND, 630 agripreneurs received grants and starter packs, while more than 4,500 beneficiaries have benefited from the programme.
In sports, Team Edo won the second Niger Delta Games, ending a 24-year wait for regional supremacy, and finished third at the 2025 National Youth Games.
For economic empowerment, the government approved ₦1 billion in interest-free loans for traders and identified more than 54,000 women for empowerment programmes. It also distributed grants to women and youth-led businesses and renovated skills acquisition centres in Uromi and Igarra.
Transport, power and other gains
The administration acquired 100 New Edo Line buses, introduced 50 luxury CNG buses and distributed 200 commercial minibuses. It also secured a 10 per cent equity stake in the 100MW Ologbo Power Plant.
Other achievements listed include the restoration of the Edo State Customary Court of Appeal, the maintenance of the ₦75,000 minimum wage and a $1 million Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge award for Benin City.
‘Challenges remain’ — governor pledges completion of projects
As the administration enters its third year, Okpebholo pledged to complete ongoing projects, strengthen security and expand development across all 18 local government areas.
He acknowledged that challenges remain but reaffirmed his commitment to “practical governance, accountability and improved living conditions for Edo residents,” according to the statement.
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