Some Edo indigenes of Edo in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for delivering qualitative governance and ensuring infrastructural development across the state.
The indigenes gave the commendation in an interview with journalists on Saturday in Abuja, during the unveiling of the practical governance magazine which showcased the projects executed by the Okpebholo-led administration.
The magazine, published and unveiled by the Edo liaison office in Abuja, chronicled and showcased pictorial images of projects and programs executed by the governor within his 100 days in office.
Director-General of the Liaison Office, Mr Peter Abulu, told NAN that Okpebholo’s practical approach to project initiation and diligent execution across the state had defined and given direction to practical governance as a development strategy.
Abulu said that the governor’s practical governance strategic plan was encapsulated in the acronym project ‘Shine’.
He listed the components of the “Shine ” to include the provision of security, enhanced healthcare services and infrastructure to ensure citizens’ access to quality medical care.
Others, he said, were developing and maintaining vital infrastructure, like roads, bridges and public buildings, agriculture via the promotion of food security and improving the quality of education via investment in schools, teacher training and educational resources.
The director-general urged Edo residents in the FCT to support the Okpebholo-led administration to further deliver quality governance to the people of the state.
“If you start a journey well, our prayer is that you continue well so that you end well. Gov. Okpebholo has demonstrated that he is prepared, not just for this term but for the future.
“His achievements so far are commendable, and we encourage him to do more; this is his time to succeed,” he said.
Abulu also highlighted the importance of documenting and amplifying the government’s achievements to ensure that Edo indigenes at home and abroad remained informed.
“When you do something and do not tell people, it is easy for it to be forgotten; even when people hear, it is still necessary to amplify it through means that can be documented.
“That is why we decided to re-echo what the governor presented during his 100 days in office in Benin here in Abuja,” he said.
According to him, the newly unveiled magazine would serve as a record of the government’s efforts and a means of showcasing Edo’s progress to the global audience.
“We produced this magazine so that it can be taken anywhere, even outside Nigeria, for people to see what the government is doing.
“It will encourage Edo indigenes to work hard and find ways to contribute to the state’s development.
“We must create a system where people do not just wait for government support but actively contribute to the state’s development,” he said.
Abulu called for a renewed unity among the Edo people and a commitment to further supporting Okpebholo in his quest to deliver qualitative governance for the good of the people.
An Abuja-based Edo indigene, Dr. Osazuwa Imasuen, urged Okpebholo to sustain his development agenda.
“If you start well, you must continue well and end well. He (governor) has set a strong foundation, and we encourage him to do more,” Imasuen said.
Dorothy Okodua, another Edo indigene, expressed satisfaction with Okpebholo’s leadership style, describing it as embracing, encompassing and historic.
“Even from Abuja, we have seen what he is doing back home; we are happy and we pray that he continues on this path,” she said.
President of Benin Community in Abuja, Mr. Lucky Odigie, emphasised the significance of unity among Edo people while commending the governor’s execution of striking infrastructural projects, particularly the construction of a flyover at Ramat Park area of Benin City.
“The flyover is unprecedented in Benin’s history. This is a major milestone and we commend the governor.
“Edo people, regardless of wherever they are, must support him and work for the progress of our state,” he said.
Leader of Edo State Legacy Association, Evelyn Obehi, also lauded Okpebholo’s efforts in road development.
“Within a short period, we have seen remarkable improvements in roads from Benin City to Ekpoma. As an Esan indigene, I am grateful for his work,” she stated.
