Gov. Okpebholo Nominated for Leadership Newspaper Governor of the Year 2026 Award

By Rosemary Okoduwa

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has been nominated for the Leadership Newspaper Governor of the Year 2026 award in recognition of his administration’s reported interventions in security, education, healthcare and infrastructure development.

The nomination was announced during a courtesy visit by a delegation from Leadership Newspaper to the governor at the Edo State Government House in Benin City. The award ceremony is scheduled for December 1, 2026, at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

The delegation included the newspaper’s Vice-Chairman, Michael Okpere, Director of Conferences and Awards, Abraham Nda-Isaiah, Director of Special Projects, Paul Agbo and its Benin correspondent and Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Patrick Ochoga.

Speaking during the visit, Okpere explained that the newspaper’s annual awards featured 21 categories, including Person of the Year, Governor of the Year, Civil Servant of the Year and Banker of the Year. He said a 54-member panel assessed public officials and their performances before selecting nominees, adding that five governors were shortlisted for the 2026 edition, compared with six in 2025.

Also speaking, Nda-Isaiah said Okpebholo’s nomination was informed by his administration’s reported achievements across critical sectors, particularly security, education, healthcare and road infrastructure. He highlighted interventions at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, where the monthly subvention reportedly increased from N41 million to over N500 million, as well as the allocation of N250 million to Edo State University, Uzairue.

Nda-Isaiah further cited ongoing and completed road projects across Edo State’s three senatorial districts, the construction of the flyover bridge at Ramat Park and the state’s health insurance scheme as notable interventions that contributed to the nomination. He described the administration’s efforts as investments in the state’s future and the wellbeing of its people.

Responding, Gov. Okpebholo expressed appreciation for the recognition, describing his administration’s commitment to developing Edo State as a way of life rather than an extraordinary undertaking. He said he was pleased with the nomination and prayed for the strength to sustain his efforts towards improving the lives of Edo residents.

The governor assured the delegation that he would attend the award ceremony in person, expressing gratitude to Leadership Newspaper for the recognition and reaffirming his commitment to doing more for the people of Edo State.