Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a man that believes in the future of Nigeria, as he demonstrated his administration’s commitment to development by handing over rebuilt shops destroyed in the January fire incident in Ekpoma and rewarding affected victims.
The Governor made the remark in Ekpoma and Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, during the inauguration of ward and local government coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and a defection rally, where he highlighted the impact of the Federal Government’s economic reforms.
The event held at Eguare Public field in Irrua, witnessed the official defection by major opposition political party into the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Notable politicians who led the groups included Senator Clifford Ordia, Hon. Joe Edionwele, Mrs Ihenyen all of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and others in the Labor Party(LP).
According to Okpebholo, the removal of fuel subsidy by President Tinubu, a decision many past leaders avoided, has unlocked resources now being channeled into development projects across the country.
“That is the money we are using to work all over Nigeria today,” he said, adding that the President’s actions reflect a strong belief in Nigeria’s future and long-term prosperity.
He disclosed that he recently hosted a critic of the policy and took him round ongoing projects in Edo State, noting that the critic was convinced after seeing how the funds are being utilized.
He added that more independent observers, including Reuben Abati of Arise Television, would be invited to assess projects in the state.
Reaffirming Edo State’s political support for the President, the Governor said the state is ready to deliver 2.7 million votes in his favour.
Meanwhile, in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, Okpebholo fulfilled his promise to victims of the January crisis by officially handing over newly reconstructed police officers’ shops (POWA) that were razed during the unrest.
He also presented cheques of ₦8 million each to affected shop owners, providing financial support to help them to restart their businesses and rebuild their livelihoods.
Recalling the incident, the Governor said he was woken at about 3 a.m. with news that Ekpoma was on fire and immediately departed Abuja by 4 a.m., arriving the town later that morning to assess the situation.
He described the destruction as the handiwork of “evil men” who targeted shops, billboards, and private properties in a bid to disrupt peace in the community. Upon arrival, he visited the palace of the Enogie to get firsthand information and expressed shock at the level of devastation.
“But today, it is a changed story,” he said, noting that the reconstruction of the shops marks a significant step toward restoring economic activities and normalcy in the area.
The Governor also revealed that President Tinubu followed the Ekpoma crisis through social media platforms, underscoring the presidency’s interest in developments across the country.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor Esq; the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; members of the State House of Assembly; party leaders and other stakeholders.
The inauguration of Renewed Hope Ambassadors and the defection exercise were conducted by the Edo State APC Deputy Chairman and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Sylvester Aigboboh, lawmakers at the National Assembly alongside other party leaders.
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