In a significant move aimed at enforcing financial oversight, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has ordered the immediate freezing of all state-owned bank accounts.
His Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Fred Itua in a statement issued on Thursday, said the directive by his principal demanded strict compliance from commercial banks and state officials, with severe penalties for any breaches.
According to the statement, Governor Okpebholo emphasized that “all bank accounts in all commercial banks have been frozen” as he directed heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure full compliance.
It indicated further that the accounts will remain frozen until a comprehensive investigation and reconciliation of state finances are completed.
This decisive action marks Governor Okpebholo’s early focus on tightening fiscal controls as he settles into office. “After the necessary investigations, we will determine the way forward. For now, this order stands,” the Governor stated.

In addition to freezing the state’s accounts, Governor Okpebholo announced the reversion of the Ministry of Roads and Bridges to its former title, the Ministry of Works.
The renaming has undone a decision made during former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration.
Okpebholo called the previous title misleading, stating that no substantial road or bridge projects were carried out under Obaseki.

“It is ironic to have a Ministry of Roads and Bridges when no bridges were constructed during the previous administration—not even a pedestrian bridge,” Okpebholo said.
The Governor’s remarks hint at his administration’s focus on practical infrastructure development.

Okpebholo indicated that more reviews of policies and actions from the previous administration would follow, with the goal of implementing changes that prioritize Edo State’s best interests.

The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has indicated that his recent election victory was achieved through the “power in praises,” highlighting the role of faith, prayer, and the unwavering support of the Edo people.

Speaking at a Thanksgiving Service on Wednesday night at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Governor Okpebholo expressed profound gratitude to God and the people of Edo State.
His Chief Press Secretary Mr. Fred Itua in a statement in Thursday quoted him to have urged all Nigerians to trust God in every circumstance, attributing his triumph to divine grace rather than human efforts.
Recounting a striking incident that happened the morning after the election, Governor Okpebholo shared that he found a dead bat on his bed—an event he believes symbolized God’s protection over his journey. “While I was praising God, others were battling against me on television and social media,” he said. “But I stayed in prayer, took my battle to God, and emerged victorious.”
The Governor also thanked religious leaders and supporters who stood by him with unwavering faith. He advised, “Put your trust in God alone because, with Him, all things are possible.”

Governor Okpebholo further clarified that he did not seek support from native doctors or spiritual practitioners, relying solely on his faith and prayers.
The Thanksgiving event was attended by notable politicians, musicians, and clergymen, celebrating a victory that Governor Okpebholo believes was won through faith and the “power in praises.”

***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.