By Usman Aliyu
Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, says Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo has defied early scepticism with massive infrastructure projects.
Afegbua said in a statement on Sunday in Benin that the development drive, which had become unprecedented, had earned the governor a widespread commendation.
“Initially underrated during the election period, the governor is now receiving commendation for what officials call a humble, accountable and promise-driven style of leadership.
“The question in public discourse is no longer about the governor’s competence but how he is funding the scale of infrastructural work currently ongoing across the three senatorial districts,” he said.
He cited ongoing school construction and rehabilitation, expanded water supply projects, strengthened security infrastructure and increased agricultural support as examples of the administration’s footprint.
“They (opposition) may complain for relevance, but they cannot fault the quality or scale of the projects,” the commissioner said.
He contrasted the current administration’s approach with what he described as inefficiencies under previous arrangements.
He noted that EdoBEST consultants earned N160 million monthly “even as many schools deteriorated.”
According to Afegbua, Okpebholo, by contrast, has redirected resources toward institutions that drive development.
The commissioner disclosed that the governor had significantly increased subventions to tertiary institutions.
“Ambrose Alli University, previously receiving N41 million, now gets N500 million monthly,” he said, adding that “Edo University Uzairue, which had received no state allocation before, now receives N250 million monthly.”
Afegbua also highlighted major progress in the health sector, revealing that the state had completed 60 new Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs).
“We are not only building PHCs, we are equipping them to function effectively,” he said.
He maintained that while opposition voices continue to raise criticisms, the evidence of development “is visible and measurable across Edo State.”
He insisted that these achievements demonstrated a leadership style “rooted in accountability, prudence, and results.”
The commissioner added that Edo people were increasingly responding with approval rather than doubt. (NAN)
