By Ogochukwu Isioma, in Benin City
The Edo State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has restated his administration’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with development partners (domestic and international), emphasizing their indispensable role in the delivery of sustainable development across the state.
Speaking at the Quarterly Coordination Meeting of Development Partners and Heads of Donor-Assisted Projects/Programmes organized by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, in Benin City, on Thursday, Special Adviser to the Governor on International Development Partners, Hon. Collins Edomaruse, who stated this, expressed gratitude to development allies for their continued support.
“Your interventions have brought light to dark corners, empowered the disadvantaged, and expanded the frontiers of hope across our communities,” Hon. Edomaruse stated, urging increased collaboration to improve lives and deepen impact across Edo State.
“We recognize this. We value it. And we covet your continued assistance and collaboration, now more than ever, as we navigate a new era of transformation under the leadership of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Executive Governor of Edo State.”
Hon. Edomaruse highlighted the Governor Okpebholo administration’s SHINE agenda — a five-point development roadmap focusing on Security, Health, Infrastructure, Nutrition (Agriculture), and Education — as the framework through which development collaboration must be aligned.
“Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Government of Edo State is focused on a people-centered development agenda – tagged Project SHINE – a bold and deliberate roadmap to rebuild trust in governance, uplift the vulnerable, and reignite opportunity across our communities,” he said.
“These pillars are not mere policies on paper, neither are they just lofty ideas – they are the foundation upon which lives are being rebuilt, hope is being rekindled, and dignity is being restored. They are also the compass upon which we must align our collective development efforts as they speak directly to the struggles and aspirations of ordinary Edo citizens.”
The Special Adviser assured development partners and stakeholders at the meeting of the state government’s openness and readiness to facilitate productive collaborations, noting that Governor Okpebholo’s leadership is people-focused and results-driven.
“Let me assure you that our door is open to you. We are here to support, and facilitate collaboration that delivers real, measurable change. We are committed to listening, to learning, and to working side-by-side with you to amplify our results and deepen our impact,” he said.
Also speaking at the meeting, the General Manager of the Edo State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), Ms. Ivie Idahosa, commended development partners for their consistent support under programmes like the World Bank-funded NG-CARES, but urged stakeholders to address persistent challenges hindering effective project implementation.
“Delays in counterpart funding, political interference, poor road access, insecurity in remote communities, and lack of sustainability planning continue to undermine the impact of these laudable interventions,” she said.
Ms. Idahosa called for pragmatic strategies such as timely release of funds, depoliticization of project selection, improved logistics, and deliberate community engagement to ensure ownership and longevity of projects.
“From planning stages, sustainability must be part of the conversation. Communities need to take ownership — not just receive projects but maintain them,” she emphasized.
The meeting brought together heads of projects and programmes, representatives of development partners, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Efe Iserhienrhien; the Ministry’s Functioning Director, Development Partnership (Donor Agencies) Department, Airenakha O. Albert, among others.
Stakeholders left the meeting aimed at evaluating the progress of donor-assisted projects for Q1 2025 and strategizing improved delivery in the coming months, with a shared commitment to building smarter synergies for a more prosperous Edo, under the leadership of Governor Okpebholo.
