By Nekpen Maureen Nwine and Omoruyi Patricia
As the people of Edo State witness the winner of the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, taking his oath of office as the fifth Executive Governor of the state alongside his deputy; Hon. Dennis Idahosa, they cannot but wonder, what the rising of a new Edo would birth. This discourse will therefore be aimed at shedding an expository light on the five-point governance mandate around which this administration would revolve.
The words of a familiar adage remind us that when a contribution is essential, others are ready to continue the work. Just as a state is a continuous entity, so is governance. In this spirit, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has embraced continuity in the administration of the State, introducing a five-point mandate to guide his leadership toward a better future for the state. The mandate which provides the clear direction needed for effective governance includes Security.
The administration’s plan to implement a comprehensive security strategy center on strengthening community policing and providing security forces with advanced tools and training. This approach includes deploying more well-trained officers in local neighborhoods, fostering close relationships between law enforcement and residents, and investing in modern equipment, technology, and resources for the police. By prioritizing these measures, the goal is to create a safer environment for all Edo residents, enhancing trust and collaboration between communities and security personnel.
Revitalizing the road infrastructure is a central priority for this administration. Plans include the construction of new roads and the comprehensive repair of existing ones to ensure smoother, safer travel across the state. Key upgrades will focus on durable, high-quality materials for longer-lasting roads, improved drainage systems to prevent flooding, and expanded lanes to ease traffic congestion. Additionally, efforts are underway to modernize the entire transportation network, integrating efficient public transit options and smart traffic management systems. These enhancements aim to create a more reliable and accessible transportation system that supports economic growth and improves residents’ daily commutes.
Another key focus is the development of affordable healthcare, which includes expanding access to essential medical services, upgrading healthcare facilities to modern standards, and implementing initiatives that ensure healthcare services are accessible and affordable for all residents of Edo. This involves increasing the number of healthcare providers, improving infrastructure in hospitals and clinics, and offering subsidy programs to make high-quality healthcare accessible to low-income families and communities.
The Governor understands that food security is essential for a nation’s stability and prosperity; without it, communities risk hunger and economic strain. To address this, advancing agriculture and ensuring food security are core priorities of his administration. His comprehensive strategy includes targeted support for local farmers to boost sustainable food production, helping to reduce food scarcity and stimulate the local economy. The aim is to empower farmers to operate more efficiently and sustainably, building a resilient agricultural sector capable of meeting the food needs of Edo’s growing population.
Additionally, the administration is committed to ensuring clean water access for all communities, addressing water scarcity, and providing safe drinking water throughout the region. Recognizing that clean water is vital for health, agriculture, and economic growth, the government is rolling out a series of impactful projects to make clean water widely accessible.
Implementing these five key mandates within the Edo State administration by the State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, will not only establish Edo as a region of safety, ongoing development and well-being but also transform it into a model of self-sustainability. This approach ensures that Edo State thrives as a secure, prosperous, and resilient community capable of sustaining its growth and resources.
