As he marks his first anniversary in office, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared that his administration has “subdued and defeated violent cultism” across the state through a blend of strategic security operations, intelligence coordination, and political will.
In a statement issued in Benin City on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo described the anti-cultism campaign as one of the most decisive and uncompromising battles of his administration, stressing that the “commercialisation of killing will never be tolerated in Edo.”
“We will not commercialise killing. Every life in Edo matters to me,” the Governor said. “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 his administration’s offensive against violent groups was driven not by politics but by a humanitarian duty to protect citizens. “Serving Edo people is what drives us — 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.
He noted that Edo’s renewed collaboration with security agencies and communities had restored calm to previously volatile areas. “Before Christmas last year, we witnessed multiple cult-related killings. We stepped in immediately because the life of every citizen is sacred. Today, nightlife is back in Benin and other parts of the state,” he stated.
According to him, the government has invested heavily in security operations, 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 added.
The Governor also reflected on the state of decay his administration inherited from the previous government, accusing it of leaving behind dilapidated schools, broken roads, and a collapsing public service. “We came into government empty, but we didn’t dwell on complaints; we acted,” he said.
He highlighted the rehabilitation of schools across the three senatorial districts, saying the effort had boosted teacher morale and public confidence in the education system. “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 rebuilt and revitalised schools, and enrolment has surged,” he said.
On agriculture, Okpebholo reaffirmed his commitment to food security under his S.H.I.N.E. Agenda, promising to open up more farmlands in 2026 to encourage citizens to return to farming.
He also pledged continued financial prudence, stating that his administration will not borrow recklessly. “Edo’s resources don’t belong to me. Despite the ₦600 billion debt left behind, we are paying down those liabilities and restoring fiscal discipline,” he said.
Citing the Radisson Hotel project as one of the major financial burdens inherited, the Governor disclosed that the state was still repaying ₦380 million monthly on a project that cost ₦30 billion but left Edo with only a 20 per cent stake.
Okpebholo also announced that his administration had cleared outstanding entitlements owed to teachers, doctors, pensioners, and staff of the College of Education, Ekiadolor, and increased Ambrose Alli University’s monthly subvention 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 stressed.
Looking ahead, the Governor revealed that 50 CNG-powered buses have been ordered for deployment across the state to ease transportation, boost commerce, and create jobs.
“We are creating employment, stimulating productivity, and attracting investors. Edo will soon be a model of economic renewal in Nigeria,” he declared.
Reflecting on his first year in office, Governor Okpebholo said his achievements 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 ended 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.”
