BENIN CITY — In a ceremony held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Tuesday, Monday Okpebholo took the oath of office as the new governor of Edo State, succeeding Godwin Obaseki after his eight-year tenure. The event marks a new chapter for the South-South state, with Okpebholo pledging to prioritize the welfare of Edo’s citizens through a detailed “Five-point Agenda.”
Governor Okpebholo, who was elected under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasized his dedication to fulfilling the people’s expectations. “I will not betray the confidence you have placed in me,” he stated firmly during his inaugural address. “This administration will be rooted in delivering robust economic growth and significant improvements to the lives of all citizens.”
Okpebholo’s administration will focus on Security, Infrastructure and Road Development, Affordable Healthcare, Water and Food Sufficiency, and Value-Driven Education. These priorities, he explained, reflect a comprehensive strategy for addressing the state’s most pressing needs.
The new governor’s journey to the Dennis Osadebay House began with a resounding victory in the September 21 election, where he emerged as the preferred choice, defeating 16 other candidates, including his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
At his side throughout the ceremony was Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, former representative of Ovia Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, who also took the oath of office. Together, Okpebholo and Idahosa are poised to steer Edo State towards what they hope will be an era of enhanced development and prosperity.
As Okpebholo takes on the role of the sixth elected governor of Edo State, all eyes are on his administration to deliver on the promises of progress, stability, and a higher standard of living across the state.