By Ogochukwu Isioma
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday, reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening ties with development partners as the state hosted the 2025 Mid-Year Review Coordination Meeting for Heads of Projects and Programmes, organised by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).
The meeting, held in Benin City, the Edo State capital, brought together key stakeholders and heads of projects from across the state to evaluate progress made on development initiatives in the first half of the year and strategise for improved outcomes.
In his opening remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on International Development Partners, Hon. Collins Edomaruse, who declared the meeting open on behalf of Governor Okpebholo, hailed the critical role of development partners in advancing the governor’s SHINE Agenda, which focuses on Security, Health, Infrastructure, Nutrition (Agriculture), and Education.
“This gathering could not have come at a better time as we take stock of our collective efforts and assess how far we have gone in delivering on our shared development goals,” Edomaruse said, conveying the governor’s goodwill and commendation to the participants.
He described development partners as a “critical pillar” of the administration’s vision and pledged his office’s continued support in enhancing coordination, ensuring alignment with state priorities, and removing implementation bottlenecks.
“As Special Adviser to the Governor on International Development Partners, our office remains fully committed to supporting partner activities and deepening engagements to optimise results for the benefit of the good people of Edo State,” he stated.
The mid-year review provided an opportunity to present the January–June report of activities, identify challenges encountered in programme delivery, and realign strategies for greater effectiveness. Participants were encouraged to engage openly, exchange insights, and leverage the platform for collective problem-solving.
The Special Adviser further underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and synergy among stakeholders, noting that these values are essential for sustaining momentum in people-centred development.
Declaring the meeting formally open, Edomaruse charged all present to make the most of the deliberations: “Together, we can build on our achievements and sustain the momentum for meaningful, people-centred development,” he said.
The mid-year review meeting is part of Edo State’s deliberate efforts to foster strong partnerships and institutionalise inclusive development through regular dialogue and coordination with its local and international partners, under the leadership of Governor Okpebholo.
