***Inspects Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi road

Barely Twenty-four hours after taking the oath of office, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday, swung to action, ordered contractors in the State to return to sites and immediately fix failed portions within the Benin metropolis.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Hon. Fred Itua, in a statement quoted the Governor to have given the directive during an inspection tour of Upper Mission Extension Road by Aduwawa junction and the Ramat Park Axis in Benin City.

Speaking at the failed portion of the road by Aduwawa junction, Governor Okpebholo said his administration in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to restoring the hope of Edo people.

Decrying the bad state of the roads, the Governor assured the people that work will commence immediately, as he is in a hurry to bring the dividends of democracy to the people.
He stressed that Edo people deserve good and motorable roads.

“During the campaigns, I promised that I was going to hit the ground running. Today, I ordered contractors back to sites. We have no time to waste.

“We promised our people that we would fix and construct the roads. There is only one dry season in a year. This is the time to immediately move to sites and fix the roads.

“So, Edo people should expect good things to happen. We will fix our roads and ensure that our people enjoy the dividends of democracy,” Governor noted.

Some of the areas work is expected to commence immediately, include the 7.5km Temboga Road, Lucky Way Junction by Aduwawa, and Ramat Park – Slope Axis.

Similarly, other parts of the State capital to experience immediate mobilisation of contractors are Eyaen Road and Obadan Junction along the Benin – Auchi Expressway.

Governor Okpebholo was sworn in as the 6th Executive Governor of Edo State on Tuesday, 12th October, 2024. During his inaugural speech, he promised to prioritise road construction, among others, in the course of his administration.

He had assured Edo people that his government would be a people-centred one

The high point of the day’s tour was the commissioning of the branch of Premium Trust Bank in Benin.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has appointed Barr. Musa U. Ikhilor as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Samson Osagie, PhD, as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, and Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole as Commissioner for Health. The nominations of Osagie and Oshiomhole are set for confirmation by the Edo State House of Assembly.
The nomination of Osagie and Oshiomhole will be confirmed by the Edo State House of Assembly when they are forwarded soon by Governor Okpebholo
Barr. Musa U. Ikhilor, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), born on August 6, 1980, in Benin City, brings a wealth of experience in legislative governance, with over 11 years in legislative drafting, parliamentary administration, and constitutional amendment processes.
An alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, he holds an LL.B and a Master’s degree in Telecommunications Law. Barr. Ikhilor has served as a consultant and adviser in various roles within the National Assembly, including Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and later as Acting Chief of Staff. He is also a Notary Public and Managing Partner at Springfield Legal Consult.

Dr. Samson Osagie, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice:
A private legal practitioner and vice president of the African Bar Association (West African Region), Dr. Osagie has an extensive background in law and governance. With a career spanning over two decades, he has served as Minority Whip in the House of Representatives and a member of the Edo State House of Assembly. He holds degrees in Law, Public Administration, International Relations, and a Doctorate in Political Economy and Development Studies. Known for his legal consultancy work, Dr. Osagie is a prominent figure in the Nigerian legal community.

Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, Commissioner for Health:
Dr. Oshiomhole, a physician and public health expert, began his academic journey at St. Anne’s Primary School and Command Secondary School before earning his MBBS degree from Ahmadu Bello University. His expertise spans environmental health, toxicology, and disaster management, with postgraduate training from Tulane University and Harvard University. He also holds a specialization in Gastroenterology from Queen Mary University, London.

These appointments reflect Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to bringing experienced professionals to drive Edo State’s growth and address its health, legal, and governance needs.

Edo State’s youth leaders have lauded the appointment of seasoned journalist Fred Itua Odianosen as the Chief Press Secretary to the state’s Governor-Elect, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo.
The Governor-Elect, who will be inaugurated on November 12, selected Mr. Odianosen for the role based on his professional track record and dedication to Edo State.

In a congratulatory statement, the youth leaders, representing various communities and organizations across Edo State, expressed their confidence in Mr. Odianosen’s capabilities.
Hailing from Irua in Esan West Local Government Area, Mr. Odianosen has previously distinguished himself in journalism, notably as the Assistant Political Editor at The Sun Newspaper, covering the National Assembly.

“We commend His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, for choosing Mr. Odianosen—a proud son of Edo—as a trusted communicator for the administration,” the statement reads. “His years of experience and dedication to the state make him a worthy appointment.”

The youth leaders encouraged Mr. Odianosen to leverage his expertise to support the Governor-Elect’s vision for a people-centered and progressive Edo. They see his appointment as an opportunity to build stronger connections between the administration and the citizens, fostering transparency and development in the state.

The statement was signed by prominent youth leaders across Edo State, including Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture, Mr. Solomon Okoduwa, and HRH Uwaifo Orhue Ogiugo, among others, who collectively extended their best wishes for Mr. Odianosen’s success in his new role.
The statement reads, The appointment of Mr. Fred Itua Odianosen as the Chief Press Secretary to Governor-Elect, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo is a welcome development.

On behalf of Edo Youth, we the undersigned Leaders of Youth of Edo State want to heartily congratulate Mr. Fred Itua Odianosen on is well deserved appointment as the Chief Press Secretary to our Governor-Elect, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo who will be sworn-in tomorrow morning, the 12th of November 2024. Similarly, we want to commend His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo for finding Mr. Fred Itua Odianosen worthy as a son of Edo State and indigene of Irua in Esan West Local Government Area who is a seasoned Journalist that has distinguished himself over the years as Assistant Political Editor of the SUN Newspaper and covering National Assembly Proceedings and Activities.

To this end, we want to use this medium to urge Mr. Fred Itua Odianosen to deploy his wealth of experience in view to helping His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo to drive his administration into a purposeful, people-oriented, enviable, progressive and prosperous destination.

Signed:

Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture

Mr. Solomon Okoduwa

Mr. Osagie Aghatise

Mr. Kelvin Omoruyi

Comrade Ernest Asibor

Mr. Tony Jimoh

Comrade Dickson Igbinogun

Mr. Ben Iyangan

Mrs. Jamilat Amadin

Mrs. Elizabeth Iyagan

Mr. Umegbe Praise

Mrs. Osadolor Grace

Mrs. Ikani Teni Hidayat

Mrs. Lilian Eguavoen

Mr. Uhunoma Ewere

Edokpolo Regina

Mrs. Joy Ebhozele

Mrs. Excellent Idahosa

HRH Uwaifo Orhue Ogiugo

Mr. Imaralu Wisdom

Mr. Ogbe Emokpae

Mrs. Tracy Eghiaruwa

MaryJane Obinna