ANNIVERSARY: EDO RESIDENTS CELEBRATE AS OKPEBHOLO INSPECTS LANDMARK PROJECTS

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday continued his one-year anniversary tour of major infrastructure projects across the state, focusing particularly on the Southern Senatorial District.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, and made available to journalists.

The inspection was marked by jubilation as enthusiastic residents trooped out in large numbers to cheer the governor, describing the moment as a new dawn of purposeful leadership and development.

From the newly renovated Army Day Secondary School in Ikpoba Hill to the rapidly progressing Adesuwa Junction Flyover and the 8.23-kilometre Okpagha–Amufi Road, the Governor’s convoy was greeted with dancing, singing, and widespread excitement, reflecting the people’s appreciation of his performance in just one year in office.

At the Army Day Secondary School, students in neatly pressed uniforms waved flags and sang songs of praise to welcome the governor. Teachers, parents, and residents displayed placards with messages such as “Okpebholo, the Hope Restorer!” and “Edo is Shining Again!”, echoing the renewed optimism across the state.

Governor Okpebholo, visibly pleased with the transformation of the once-neglected school, expressed satisfaction with the quality of work executed.

“When we came here last time, I was deeply unhappy. There were no roofs, no windows, and no conducive learning environment. Today, we have air-conditioned laboratories, renovated classrooms, and a secured perimeter. This is what true change looks like,” he stated.

He further announced plans to install solar-powered streetlights across the school premises to enhance security and create a conducive atmosphere for night studies.

The Governor credited these achievements to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said continues to inspire his administration’s people-oriented governance.

Commissioner for Education, Hon. Paddy Iyamu, described the project as “a total rewrite of the story,” noting that the school, once unsafe and abandoned, has now become a model for public education in Edo State.

“Children once cleaned their classrooms before learning could start. The governor has changed that reality and restored dignity to education in Edo,” he remarked.

Also speaking, PDP chieftain Otunba Segun Sowunmi commended Governor Okpebholo’s leadership style and vision, saying, “Every investment in education is an investment in human capital. If this is what one year looks like, then Edo’s future under Okpebholo is indeed bright.”

Dr. Oduwale Egwaigie, Chairman of the School Management Development Committee and an alumnus, described the intervention as “nothing short of historic.”

“For eight years, we pleaded for help with no response. This governor acted within weeks. Parents are now moving their children from private schools to Army Day — that says it all,” he said.

From Ikpoba Hill, the Governor’s team proceeded to Adesuwa Junction, where construction of the state’s second flyover bridge is progressing rapidly. Jubilant residents lined the streets, waving and chanting as the governor inspected the site.

Special Adviser on Project Monitoring, Engr. Phoebe Williams-Bello, revealed that the project is ahead of schedule, with completion expected six months earlier than planned.

She added that affected property owners had been fully compensated and lauded the governor’s dedication to infrastructural renewal. “This is visible progress — not promises on paper, but real development happening before our eyes,” she noted.

At the 8.23-kilometre Okpagha–Amufi Road, residents celebrated the governor’s arrival with singing and dancing, rejoicing over the long-awaited rehabilitation of a vital road linking Ikpoba-Okha and Uhunmwonde Local Government Areas.

A community leader, brimming with joy, said, “For years, this road was a nightmare. Today, we can drive freely. Governor Okpebholo has restored our faith in government.”

The inspection tour culminated in a carnival-like celebration, as traders, artisans, and students thronged the streets, waving banners and chanting songs of appreciation.

For many residents, the day symbolized more than just an anniversary of governance — it was a celebration of progress, renewed hope, and the rebirth of Edo State under a leader who matches words with action.