Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has said he inherited a state weighed down by rots, debts, insecurity, among others.
Okpebholo stated this in Benin City, on Wednesday during his one-year anniversary ceremony.
“I met a state weighed down by rots in all sectors, debt ( local and Foreign) insecurity, and distrust, but I have since begun restoring public confidence by rebuilding institutions and strengthening governance,” he said.
He said he inherited N600 billion in local and foreign currency as well as ₦180 billion contract liabilities owed contractors by the past administration.
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He noted that his administration had reduced the debt including foreign debt through “prudent management, transparency, and fiscal discipline” under the SHINE Agenda.
“Within one year of my administration, we have created over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs and launched a N1 billion interest-free loan scheme for small businesses, traders, and artisans.”
He said he also inherited a deplorable road and neglected communities but has awarded over 28 new roads, totaling over 350 kilometers and constructing two flyovers, Rama Park and Adesuwa road junction in Sapele road.
Continuing, Okpebholo recalled that Edo was “almost a war zone” plagued by cult killings, kidnapping, and armed robbery when he assumed% office.
He said his government acted decisively by repealing the weak anti-cultism law, enacting a stronger one, supplying 60 Hilux vans and 400 motorcycles to security agencies, and recruiting 2,500 officers into the Edo State Security Corps.
According to him, his administration has also made a giant stride in health, agriculture, education among other sectors in the state.
He, however, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he said laid the foundation for his performances.
