By Rosemary Okoduwa
President Bola Tinubu has assured Edo State of sustained Federal Government support in key sectors, including road infrastructure, healthcare, energy, agriculture, entrepreneurship and security, as Governor Monday Okpebholo marked his second anniversary in office.
The assurance was conveyed on Thursday by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the APC presidential rally, which coincided with the second anniversary celebration of the Okpebholo administration. The event was held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
Shettima said the Federal Government remained committed to its understanding with the people of Edo State, stressing that Nigeria’s efforts to bridge its infrastructure deficit would be incomplete without the state’s inclusion.
“We have come to assure you that you can count on us too. When we came to you four years ago, we said we could not address our nation’s infrastructure deficit without carrying Edo State along. We have not abandoned that agreement,” he said.
The Vice President disclosed that work had commenced on the dualisation of roads leading to Ekpoma, Auchi and Okpella, as well as the Benin-Agbor-Sapele Road. He added that the Federal Government was determined to expand road infrastructure and deliver more development projects across the state.
He also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting Edo in healthcare, energy, entrepreneurship, agriculture and security. Shettima further highlighted ongoing efforts towards the return of Benin artefacts and the transfer of ownership of the Benin treasures to Nigeria.
Commending Governor Okpebholo’s performance, the Vice President said the governor had made the All Progressives Congress (APC) proud, noting that President Tinubu held him in high regard and remained committed to supporting his administration in delivering development to the people of Edo.
In his remarks, Governor Okpebholo assured the President of Edo State’s support ahead of the January 2027 political contest, citing what he described as the numerous contributions of the Tinubu administration to the state.
“In Edo State, we are ready to deliver come January 2027. The President has done so much for Edo people. Today, we don’t owe salaries. We don’t owe pensioners. Construction work is going on everywhere,” the governor said.
He maintained that the ongoing construction projects across the state reflected his administration’s commitment to infrastructural development, improved service delivery and the welfare of workers.
Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, congratulated Governor Okpebholo on his second anniversary in office, commending his administration’s efforts towards the development of the state.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, also addressed the gathering.
The presidential rally attracted top government officials, APC national and state leaders, political stakeholders and residents, who reaffirmed their commitment to the party’s pledge to mobilise 2.5 million votes from Edo State for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
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