Kingsley Ohens reporting
The Governor of Edo State, , has reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains deeply committed to Nigeria’s long-term development, describing the President as a leader who believes strongly in the future of the country, while highlighting ongoing reconstruction efforts and relief support for victims of the Ekpoma fire incident.
Governor Okpebholo made the statement in Ekpoma and Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, during the inauguration of ward and local government coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, alongside a defection exercise that saw prominent opposition figures formally join the All Progressives Congress (APC). He emphasized that the economic reforms of the Federal Government, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy by the administration of , though initially difficult, are now yielding measurable developmental dividends across the country as resources are being redirected into infrastructure and social services.
According to him, “That is the money we are using to work all over Nigeria today,” noting that the policy direction of the President reflects courage, foresight, and a firm belief in Nigeria’s economic future. He added that he had previously engaged a critic of the policy and taken him round ongoing projects in Edo State, after which the critic acknowledged the visible impact of the reforms. He also disclosed plans to extend similar engagements to respected media figures and independent observers to further evaluate ongoing projects across the state.
The governor further reaffirmed Edo State’s political alignment with the Federal Government, stating that the state is prepared to deliver 2.7 million votes in support of President Tinubu.
In Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, Governor Okpebholo also fulfilled his earlier commitment to victims of the January fire disaster that affected the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) shops and surrounding business structures. He officially handed over newly reconstructed shops to the affected traders and presented financial compensation of ₦8 million each to help them rebuild their businesses and restore their livelihoods.
Recalling the incident, the governor said he was alerted in the early hours of the crisis and immediately traveled from Abuja to Ekpoma to assess the situation firsthand, describing the destruction as the work of individuals intent on disrupting peace and economic stability in the community. He noted that upon arrival, he visited the palace of the Enogie to obtain firsthand information on the incident and was deeply shocked by the extent of the damage. He added that the completion of the reconstructed shops marks a significant milestone in restoring commercial activity and normalcy to the area, stating, “But today, it is a changed story.”
He also revealed that President Tinubu monitored developments around the Ekpoma incident through digital platforms, underscoring the Federal Government’s attention to happenings across the country.
The events were attended by several dignitaries, including the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor Esq; the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; members of the State House of Assembly; party leaders; and other stakeholders.
The inauguration of Renewed Hope Ambassadors and the defection exercise were coordinated by the Edo State APC Deputy Chairman and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, , alongside National Assembly lawmakers and other party leaders.
In an official statement signed by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, the administration reiterated its commitment to inclusive governance, economic recovery, and sustained grassroots development under Governor Okpebholo’s leadership, noting that the reconstruction of Ekpoma shops and compensation for victims reflects a broader agenda of stability, growth, and social welfare in Edo State.
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