The governor assumed power November 12, 2024, following his victory at the September 21, 2024, governorship election in the state.
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has expressed excitement and satisfaction with the new-look Army Day Secondary School in Ikpoba Hill and promised to install solar powered streetlights in the premises to enhance security and provide an enabling environment for students to study at night.
Overhauling the dilapidated school buildings in both public primary and secondary schools in the state and employing more teachers to address dearth of teaching staff were part of his campaign promises which he is delivering on.
Stopping over at the Army Day Secondary School on Tuesday on Tuesday in continuation of his tour of key infrastructure projects in the state beginning in Edo South Senatorial District, the governor was welcome into the school by appreciative teachers and students who could not hide their excitement as they waved flags and sang songs of praise in his honour.
Teachers, parents, and residents displayed placards with inscriptions such as “Okpebholo, the Hope Restorer!” and “Edo is Shining Again!”, a reflection of the renewed optimism sweeping through the state.
Governor Okpebholo, visibly moved by the total transformation of the once-dilapidated school, expressed deep satisfaction with the quality of work done.
With a deep sense of fulfillment, he recalled that “When we came here last time, I was deeply unhappy. There were no roofs, no windows, and no proper learning environment. Today, we have air-conditioned laboratories, renovated classrooms, and a secured perimeter. This is what true change looks like”.
The inspection, which also took Governor Okpebholo to the fast-rising Adesuwa Junction flyover and the 8.23-kilometre Okpagha–Amufi Road, drew jubilant crowds and widespread celebration as residents thronged the streets to hail what many described as a new dawn of purposeful leadership and development.
The governor’s convoy was met with excitement, dancing, and cheers, as communities came alive in spontaneous celebration of his achievements within just one year in office.
Addressing journalists after the day’s inspection, Governor Okpebholo said the projects were to ensure Benin City is beautiful.
“As you can see, we are working, and the money does not come from my pocket.
“The money is given to us to work, and for us, the idea is to beautify our state to make it a modern city where everybody can come and wine.
“I have no other business here than to develop the city and build new roads for our people to enjoy. That is the essence, and that is why you are seeing all day and night, we are working. When we are sleeping, we are thinking it. When we are sleeping, we are dreaming it. There is no other job I am here to do than to develop Edo and that is what we are doing. That is what you have seen today.”
The governor credited the success of such interventions to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which, he said, continued to inspire his administration’s focus on people-centred governance.
Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, described the Army Day Secondary School project as “a total rewrite of the story,” noting that the school, once abandoned and unsafe, has now become a model for public education in Edo.
“Children used to clean their own classrooms before learning could begin. The governor has changed that reality and restored dignity to education in Edo State,” he said.
Adding speaking, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Otunba Segun Sowunmi, commended the governor’s leadership style and vision, remarking that “every investment in education is an investment in human capital. If this is what one year looks like, then the future of Edo under Okpebholo is bright indeed.”
Dr. Oduwale Egwaigie, chairman of the School Management Development Committee and an old student, recounted the school’s years of neglect, describing the governor’s swift intervention as “nothing short of historic.”
According to him, “For eight years, we pleaded for help to no avail. But this governor acted within weeks. Parents are now transferring their children from private schools to Army Day. That says it all.”
From Ikpoba Hill, the Governor’s entourage proceeded to Adesuwa Junction, where construction work on the state’s second flyover bridge is advancing rapidly. Excited residents lined the streets, chanting and waving as the governor inspected progress of work at the site.
Special Adviser on Project Monitoring, Engr. Phoebe Williams-Bello, said the flyover was on track for early completion, six months ahead of schedule.
Williams-Bello, an engineer, noted that affected property owners had been fully compensated, and commended the governor for his commitment to infrastructural renewal. “The people can see the progress. This is not a promise on paper, it is tangible development taking shape before our eyes,” she said.
At the 8.23-kilometre Okpagha–Amufi Road, residents erupted in joy as the governor’s convoy arrived. Dancing and singing, they celebrated the long-awaited project which links Ikpoba-Okha and Uhunmwonde Local Government Areas, opening access to markets, schools, and rural communities.
A community leader, beaming with excitement, declared, “For years, this road was a nightmare. Today, we can drive freely. Governor Okpebholo has restored our faith in government.”
The inspection tour ended in a carnival-like atmosphere as traders, artisans, and students flooded the streets, waving banners and chanting songs of appreciation.
For many, the day symbolised not just an anniversary of leadership but a celebration of progress, hope, and the rebirth of Edo State under a governor who has matched words with action.
