By Joy Omagha Idam
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has presented his administration’s achievements to Edo indigenes in the United Kingdom, describing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms as the catalyst behind the state’s ongoing transformation and renewed development drive.
Speaking at a diaspora engagement in London themed “Shine Beyond Borders,” the governor highlighted major strides recorded in infrastructure, security, healthcare, education and economic development, while calling on Edo professionals, entrepreneurs and investors abroad to return home and become active partners in building a prosperous state.
The event served as a platform for Governor Okpebholo to showcase the progress recorded under his administration’s SHINE Agenda, while strengthening ties with Edo communities in the diaspora and encouraging them to contribute their expertise, investments and global networks to the state’s development.
According to the governor, President Tinubu’s bold economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, have significantly improved the financial capacity of state governments, enabling them to embark on people-oriented projects without depending on federal bailouts.
He noted that the era when governors struggled to pay salaries had given way to one in which states now possess the resources to execute meaningful infrastructure and development projects that directly benefit citizens.
Governor Okpebholo said the impact of the Federal Government’s reforms is already visible across Edo State through ongoing landmark projects, including the construction of the Ramat Park Flyover in Benin City, the reconstruction of the Ekpoma–Auchi section of the Benin–Okene Highway using concrete pavement technology, and the extension of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway into Edo State.
On security, he outlined several initiatives aimed at strengthening peace and protecting lives and property, including the establishment of an Army Forward Operational Base, the siting of the MOPOL 82 Squadron, the recruitment of 500 Forest Guards, and the approval of a new Army Division for the state.
The governor maintained that these investments are creating a safer and more attractive environment for businesses and investors while positioning Edo as one of Nigeria’s emerging investment destinations.
In an emotional interaction with the Edo diaspora community, Governor Okpebholo abandoned formalities and described the gathering as a family reunion, emphasizing the deep bond between Edo people at home and those living abroad.
He acknowledged that many members of the diaspora either left Edo at an early age or had never visited the state despite maintaining a strong emotional connection through family heritage.
Inviting them to reconnect with their roots, he urged them to return not merely as visitors but as stakeholders with a responsibility to participate in the state’s economic growth and transformation.
The governor also appealed to Edo indigenes abroad to assess his administration based on its performance rather than social media narratives, encouraging them to project the state’s positive image and investment opportunities to the international community.
He stressed that Edo’s development story should be told through its achievements rather than negative perceptions, adding that no place compares with one’s homeland.
As a symbolic demonstration of the state’s alignment with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Governor Okpebholo presented branded face caps and other souvenirs bearing the image of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to members of the Edo diaspora.
The interactive session provided participants with the opportunity to engage directly with the governor, discuss issues affecting the state and explore practical avenues for collaboration through investment, technology transfer, knowledge sharing and strategic partnerships.
The London engagement forms part of the Edo State Government’s broader strategy to strengthen relationships with Edo communities across the globe and harness the enormous potential of the diaspora in driving sustainable economic growth and development.
Source: Office of the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Edo State.