FIC Report (Edo State) – Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed that Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains confident in Nigeria’s future, citing ongoing reforms and development efforts across the country.
The governor made this known during events held in Ekpoma and Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, where he combined the inauguration of ward and local government coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors with a political rally that witnessed defections into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The gathering, held at Eguare Public Field in Irrua, saw members of opposition parties formally join the APC. Among those who led the defection were Clifford Ordia, Hon. Joe Edionwele, and other political figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP).
Speaking at the event, Okpebholo highlighted the impact of the Federal Government’s economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy. He noted that the decision—avoided by previous administrations—has freed up resources now being invested in developmental projects nationwide.
According to him, the results of these reforms are already visible. He revealed that even critics of the policy have changed their views after being taken on inspection tours of ongoing projects in Edo State. He added that more independent observers, including Reuben Abati of Arise Television, would be invited to assess progress in the state.
The governor also reaffirmed Edo State’s political backing for President Tinubu, expressing confidence that the state would deliver strong electoral support.
Meanwhile, in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, Okpebholo fulfilled his earlier promise to victims of the January fire incident by officially handing over newly rebuilt shops belonging to the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), which were destroyed during the crisis.
In addition to the reconstruction, affected shop owners received financial support, with each beneficiary presented a cheque of ₦8 million to help them restart their businesses.
Recalling the incident, the governor said he received news of the fire in the early hours of the morning and immediately traveled from Abuja to assess the damage firsthand. He described the destruction as a deliberate act by individuals seeking to destabilize the community, noting that properties including shops and billboards were targeted.
He added that he visited the palace of the Enogie upon arrival to gather firsthand information and was deeply concerned by the scale of destruction.
“Today, the story has changed,” the governor said, emphasizing that the reconstruction project marks a major step toward restoring economic activities and normalcy in the area.
Okpebholo also disclosed that President Tinubu closely monitored the Ekpoma crisis through social media, reflecting the presidency’s attention to developments across the country.
Other dignitaries present at the event included the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor; the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku; members of the State Assembly; party leaders; and stakeholders.
The inauguration of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and the defection exercise were conducted by Sylvester Aigboboh, Edo State APC Deputy Chairman and State Coordinator of the group, alongside National Assembly members and other party leaders.
Signed:
Omoluogbe Ruth
FIC Benin city
15 March, 2026
