The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, has publicly defended Governor Monday Okpebholo after he was ridiculed for a mistake during his budget presentation for the 2025 fiscal year.
On Tuesday, December 10, Okpebholo presented the state’s 2025 Appropriation Bill to the Edo State House of Assembly. However, the presentation was marred by the governor’s repeated struggles to accurately state the total budget amount.
In a now-viral video, Okpebholo was seen flustered as he stumbled over figures, initially stating the budget as “6 billion…650…605 billion,” before apologizing and attempting to correct himself. He repeatedly said, “Let me take it again,” as he struggled to announce the correct total, which was ultimately identified as 506 billion, 605 billion, or 776 billion.
The viral clip quickly spread on social media, leading to widespread criticism of the governor’s performance, with many questioning his ability to manage the state’s finances effectively.
In response to the backlash, Jarrett Tenebe defended the governor, describing the incident as a natural human mistake. In a video shared by Edo Updates on X.com (formerly Twitter), Tenebe stated, “Humans make such mistakes, and a lot of people make such mistakes.” He downplayed the significance of the error, calling it a normal part of public speaking and presentation.
Tenebe also sought to shift the focus away from the blunder by emphasizing Okpebholo’s integrity. He contrasted the governor with previous leaders in the state, suggesting that Okpebholo’s commitment to transparency and honesty was evident in his leadership. Tenebe concluded, “The governor’s slip-up is nothing compared to the corruption of past leaders.”
Despite the criticism, the governor’s supporters have rallied around the notion that such errors should not overshadow his achievements in office, arguing that his intentions and dedication to serving the state remain clear.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has presented the 2025 budget proposals to the House of Assembly.
In Edo, Okpebholo presented the 2025 budget estimate of N605.7 billion to the State House of Assembly for consideration and approval. Tagged ‘Budget of Renewed Hope for a Rising Edo,’ the governor listed five points including security, infrastructural development, healthcare, food sufficiency and education.
He also added that the budget was prepared with the aim of achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government. Okpebholo said the budget estimate was 25 per cent higher than that of 2024.
He said the sum of N223 billion, representing 37 per cent, was allocated to recurrent expenditure while N381 billion, representing 63 per cent, was for capital expenditure.
The governor gave the sectoral breakdown of the budget as N162 billion for road development across the state, N48 billion for education, N63.9 billion for health, N1.8 billion for the health insurance scheme and N4.5 billion for the agricultural sub-sector.
Okpebholo, who explained that the proposed Appropriation Bill was a product of wide consultations, opined that it would ensure accountability and transparency in governance for responsive service delivery to the people of Edo State.
He said: “The 2025 proposed budget is designed to achieve the goals of my five-point agenda, which are security, infrastructural, development, healthcare, food sufficiency and education.
“Agriculture plays a pivotal role in food production, as well as revenue generation and job creation. It is, therefore, the desire of this administration to strengthen the agricultural sector, particularly in the areas of farm mechanization. We shall pay special attention to the security of our farmers and ensure our farmlands are safe.
“Accordingly, the sum of N 4.5 billion has been proposed in 2025 budget estimates for the agricultural sub-sector.”Okpebholo thanked the Speaker and members of the state House of Assembly, adding that he has highlighted the major policy objectives of the 2025 budget, aimed at uplifting the socio-economic conditions of the people.

In a groundbreaking move to boost economic development and create employment opportunities, the Edo State Government has entered into a partnership with an aviation company to establish a light aircraft assembly plant in Benin City.
The initiative will also include training programs for Edo citizens in various aviation fields, such as aircraft mechanics and pilot training.

Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Gani Audu, and other top government functionaries, officially launched the collaboration at the Benin Airport, where they also participated in a test flight aboard a light aircraft.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua quoted him to have after the test flight, highlighted the significance of the initiative:

“This is a new era for Edo people. I just flew in the aircraft, and it was a smooth experience. During my campaign, I promised to transform Edo State, and this is a testament to that promise.
“The aviation company will establish an assembly plant here, providing an opportunity for our youth to learn critical skills in aviation. This investment is a major step toward reducing unemployment and creating wealth in Edo State.
“My administration is fully committed to supporting this endeavor as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The Governor emphasized that the benefits of the project will extend to all three senatorial districts in the state, ensuring equitable development.
CEO of the partnering aviation company, Ehis Odia, commended Governor Okpebholo for his visionary leadership:
“Governor Okpebholo has shown remarkable foresight in advancing aviation in Edo State. We will establish a factory here to assemble light aircraft and initiate training programs for secondary and technical school students to become aircraft mechanics.
“Edo will become the first state in Nigeria where aircraft assembly takes place, breaking the misconception that aviation is only for the wealthy. This initiative will make aviation accessible and effective for all.”

Pilot Donovan Lombard, who participated in the test flight, expressed the aviation company’s mission to enhance transportation in Nigeria:
“We’ve been flying aircraft from South Africa and are excited to bring aviation to Edo State, where it will help improve transportation and industrial development.”