Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has disclosed that his administration inherited over N600 billion in local and foreign debts and N180 billion owed to contractors from the immediate past administration of Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

Speaking during his one-year anniversary ceremony held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City on Wednesday, Okpebholo said his government has reduced the financial burden through ?prudent management, transparency, and fiscal discipline? under the SHINE Agenda.

?On the economy and jobs, we inherited over N600 billion in local and foreign debts and N180 billion owed to contractors. Through prudent management and transparency, we have reduced this burden significantly,? he said.

He noted that his administration met Edo weighed down by rot, debt, insecurity, and distrust, but has since begun restoring public confidence by rebuilding institutions and strengthening governance.

The governor revealed that within one year, his administration had created over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs and launched a N1 billion interest-free loan scheme for small businesses, traders, and artisans.

On security, Okpebholo recalled that Edo was ?almost a war zone? when he took office, plagued by cult killings, kidnapping, and robbery.

He said his government acted decisively by repealing the weak anti-cultism law, enacting a stronger one, supplying 60 Hilux vans and 400 motorcycles to security agencies, and recruiting 2,500 officers into the Edo State Security Corps.

According to him, the measures have drastically reduced insecurity, assuring that ?Edo will no longer be a safe haven for criminals.?

The governor said his administration is also rebuilding the health sector, announcing the construction of new Primary Health Centres in 18 wards, the provision of diagnostic machines across local governments, and the commencement of a 100-bed Specialist Hospital in Udomi, Edo Central.

On infrastructure, Okpebholo disclosed that his government has awarded 28 new road projects totalling 255 kilometres and, for the first time in Edo?s history, commenced the construction of two flyovers at Ramat Park and Adesuwa?Sapele Road, Benin City.

He said the state?s agriculture budget was increased from ?4.5 billion to ?57 billion, resulting in the cultivation of over 400 hectares of farmland as part of efforts to tackle food insecurity.

On education, Okpebholo revealed that 5,000 teachers have been permanently employed and 63 schools upgraded, while Ambrose Alli University?s subvention was raised from N41 million to N500 million monthly to restore academic stability.

Reaffirming his commitment to the rule of law, the governor said his administration has restored inter-governmental relations, sworn in three judges earlier sidelined, revived the Customary Court system, and strengthened traditional institutions.

?A new Edo has risen,? he declared. ?We will continue to create opportunities that secure the future of our people until every community feels the touch of Practical Governance.?

Governor Okpebholo expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as ?a father and leader,? for his guidance, leadership, and support, saying, ?without him, much of our progress would not have been possible.?

The ceremony also featured goodwill messages from Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Chief Lucky Imasuen, Dr Pius Odubu, and other prominent leaders, who praised Okpebholo?s steady, reform-driven approach to governance.

A high-level policy panel further explored critical aspects of Nigeria?s economic outlook and how Edo State is positioning itself for sustainable growth.

The event ended in an atmosphere of celebration, as guests, dignitaries, and citizens hailed the governor?s performance and reaffirmed confidence in his leadership ? a first anniversary that stood as a defining statement of renewal, courage, and the dawn of a truly new Edo State. (Nigerian Tribune)

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