By, Dr Patrick Akhere Ebojele

When Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo declared that the returned Benin Bronzes belong to the Oba of Benin’s Palace and should never be politicised, he did far more than welcome an international delegation to Government House in Benin City. His remarks touched on history, justice, identity and the continuing effort to restore one of Africa’s greatest cultural treasures to its rightful home.

Receiving officials from the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), representatives of the Swiss Government and museum experts from the University of Zurich, Governor Okpebholo described the return of the artefacts as “a defining history in our land.”

He said: “First of all, let me thank you for this moment because this is a defining history in our land. To me, there is no point in playing politics with what belongs to the palace.”

Those few words captured an issue that has generated debate for years. They recognised that the Benin Bronzes are not simply valuable works of art but symbols of the history, culture and spiritual life of the Benin Kingdom.

The governor went further by explaining why the artefacts mean so much to the Edo people.

“We have culture here. I believe in our culture. Those bronzes are not just bronze; they are symbolic and spiritual to our kingdom. Wherever they are, they will all find their way back to Nigeria, to Edo State,” he said.

His statement came after Nigeria received 18 Benin Bronzes and five other priceless cultural objects returned by Switzerland. These treasures were among thousands of artefacts looted during the British invasion of the Benin Kingdom in 1897, when the royal palace was attacked and its treasures taken to Europe.

For more than 125 years, many of these objects remained scattered across museums and private collections around the world. Their return represents an acknowledgement that they were acquired through colonial violence and belong to the people from whom they were taken.

Although the latest restitution involves only a fraction of the thousands of Benin artefacts still outside Nigeria, every successful return strengthens the international campaign for historical justice.

Governor Okpebholo made it clear that questions about ownership should not divide stakeholders.

“There is no point playing politics with them. They all belong to the Oba’s Palace. We have only one Oba Palace in Edo State,” he said.

That position is significant because discussions over the custody of returned Benin artefacts have often created unnecessary disagreements between government institutions and cultural authorities. By recognising the Oba’s Palace as the rightful custodian, the governor reaffirmed the traditional institution’s central role in preserving the heritage of the Benin Kingdom while positioning government as a partner in protecting that heritage.

The governor also reflected on why the artefacts were taken in the first place.

“The British that came here came for a reason. They heard something about the Benin Empire. That is why they came here. They found these things very interesting and took them out of this country to theirs,” he said.

His observation highlights an important historical reality. The Benin Kingdom was already internationally renowned for its sophisticated bronze casting, governance, commerce and artistic excellence long before colonial conquest. The famous plaques, royal heads and ceremonial objects demonstrated extraordinary craftsmanship that attracted worldwide attention.

The governor therefore welcomed Switzerland’s decision to return the artefacts. “I am happy that the Swiss Government has decided to say, ‘Yes, let’s return these back to the owners.’ I want to thank your government for taking this initiative in bringing these bronzes back to our palace,” he said.

He added that the decision would bring lasting goodwill.”It might look small to you, but the blessings ahead are huge.”

The visit also underlined the growing international cooperation behind the restitution movement.

Director-General of the NCMM, Olugbile Holloway, described Benin as “ground zero” in the global campaign for the return of looted African cultural heritage.

“The National Commission for Museums and Monuments is at the forefront of the battle for restitution,” Holloway said.

He explained that the commission is working closely with the Oba of Benin to ensure that many more artefacts currently held in foreign museums eventually return home.

“We are working with the palace and His Royal Majesty to ensure that as many of these bronzes that found their way into foreign museums begin to come home,” he said.

Holloway also disclosed that all the artefacts returned by Switzerland had already arrived in Nigeria and that the delegation would proceed to the Oba’s Palace to symbolically present them to His Royal Majesty for traditional blessings before they are formally integrated into the kingdom’s cultural heritage.

That ceremony reinforces what many Edo people have always maintained—that the Benin Bronzes are living cultural objects with spiritual and historical importance, not merely museum exhibits.

Speaking on behalf of Switzerland, Consul General Conny Camenzind described the restitution as an important milestone in relations between Switzerland and Nigeria.

She said her country was proud to have worked with the NCMM and the participating museums to facilitate the return of the artefacts and expressed hope that the exercise would mark the beginning of a stronger long-term partnership between both countries.

Her comments reflect a growing international recognition that museums and governments have a moral responsibility to address the legacy of colonial-era looting.

Across Europe and North America, attitudes towards the Benin Bronzes continue to change. The Netherlands has agreed to return more than 100 Benin artefacts. Museums in the United States, Germany and the University of Cambridge have also transferred ownership or returned important collections to Nigeria. Switzerland’s latest restitution adds further momentum to this global movement.

The British Museum, however, still retains one of the world’s largest collections of Benin objects and continues to maintain that legal restrictions prevent their permanent return. For many Nigerians, that remains one of the biggest unresolved issues in the quest for justice.

Every successful restitution therefore carries importance beyond the number of objects involved. Each return strengthens Nigeria’s case, encourages other museums to review the origins of their collections and demonstrates that historical wrongs can be addressed through cooperation.

The campaign is also part of a wider African movement calling for the return of cultural treasures removed during colonial rule. The Benin Bronzes have become perhaps the most recognised symbol of that struggle because they embody artistic excellence, national pride and historical justice.

Governor Okpebholo’s remarks deserve attention for another reason. Rather than allowing politics to dominate the conversation, he chose to emphasise culture, history and respect for traditional authority. In doing so, he reminded Nigerians and the international community that the Benin Bronzes are far more than ancient sculptures.

They tell the story of kings, craftsmen, warriors and generations of Edo people whose civilisation flourished long before colonial rule. Their return restores not only valuable works of art but also an important part of the identity and dignity of the Benin Kingdom.

As more museums across the world reconsider the origins of their collections, Governor Okpebholo’s message is likely to resonate even more strongly: the Benin Bronzes are not simply historical objects. They are symbols of a proud civilisation, whose rightful home remains the Oba of Benin’s Palace.

Dr. Ebojele has his PhD in Public Administration and is the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State

By Ebhodaghe Frank

Benin City-The Edo State Government has demolished a building allegedly owned by a suspected kidnap kingpin in Obagie-N’Evbuosa Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, as part of its intensified campaign against kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The demolition was carried out by the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo in conjunction with security agencies and the Edo State Security Squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists.

Speaking at the scene, the squad’s spokesperson, Noah Idemudia, said intelligence gathered by security agencies identified the building as a hideout where kidnapped victims were allegedly kept before being moved to other locations.

“We are here to demolish this building identified as a den where kidnappers keep their victims. It served as a hideout before they were moved elsewhere,” he said.

Idemudia alleged that the property belongs to Solomon Johnson, a suspected leader of a kidnapping syndicate operating in the area. He said the suspect, who is from Delta State, is currently in police custody.

According to him, the suspect and members of his gang had allegedly terrorised residents of Obagie-N’Evbuosa Community and recently demanded an N11 million ransom for the release of a kidnapped victim. He further alleged that the gang had planned to abduct the victim’s wife before security operatives arrested Johnson.

He said the demolition was intended to send a strong message that the Edo State Government would not tolerate criminal activities or allow properties linked to kidnapping to remain standing.

Idemudia also alleged that although many of the suspected kidnappers operating in the state were non-indigenes, they often relied on local collaborators for support.

“Edo State is no longer a safe haven for criminals. Anyone who wants to live peacefully is welcome, but those with criminal intentions should leave the state,” he said.

The security spokesperson further disclosed that the state government would soon convene a meeting with Okaigheles (community heads) across Edo State at Government House to strengthen community-based security and resident profiling.

According to him, community leaders would be required to maintain records of new residents and work closely with government and security agencies to identify and prevent criminal activities.

“As Okaighele, you should know everyone entering your community. You will be held accountable for security lapses in your community, so collaboration with the government is essential,” he added.

Meanwhile, a 28-year-old suspect, Solomon Johnson, who identified himself as a bricklayer from Delta State, admitted during interrogation that he worked for an alleged gang leader identified simply as Efe.

Johnson claimed his role was to dispose of stolen items, including mobile phones, laptops and other valuables allegedly taken from kidnapping victims.

“I work for a man called Efe, who is involved in robbery and kidnapping. He brings phones, laptops and other valuables for me to sell around Ring Road,” he said.

He added that he received commissions from the sales, sometimes earning as much as N50,000 from a single transaction.

Police said investigations into the case are ongoing.

Davidson Ogbebor

The Edo State Health Regulation and Monitoring Agency (EDOHERMA) has called on residents to verify the registration status of private healthcare facilities before seeking treatment, as the agency marks five months of operation.

The agency’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adesuwa Urhoghide, made the appeal in a statement, stressing that the measure is aimed at protecting residents from unsafe and substandard healthcare services while strengthening public confidence in the state’s health sector through effective regulation and monitoring.

She recalled that EDOHERMA was established after Governor Monday Okpebholo assented to the Edo State Health Regulation and Monitoring Agency Bill on December 5, 2025, to regulate all establishments where health-related procedures are carried out across the state.

According to her, the agency was created to address regulatory gaps that had enabled unregistered operators and unqualified individuals to provide health-related services without adequate oversight.

Dr. Urhoghide advised residents to confirm the registration status of private hospitals, clinics and other health-related establishments through the Health Facilities Search tool on the agency’s website before receiving treatment.

She said no resident should patronise any private healthcare facility that is not listed on the EDOHERMA register, noting that choosing registered and compliant facilities safeguards patients and their families from unsafe and substandard care.

The EDOHERMA boss also warned that the agency would intensify its crackdown on unverified health advertisements, particularly those promoted by self-acclaimed traditional healers and unregistered practitioners on radio and television stations.

She urged broadcast organisations to demand evidence of EDOHERMA approval before airing health-related advertisements, describing the measure as part of the agency’s efforts to eliminate quackery and sanitise the healthcare sector.

Dr. Urhoghide added that the Edo State Government is positioning the state as a credible destination for medical tourism by improving healthcare standards, ensuring functional medical equipment and strengthening the verification of health professionals.

She noted that EDOHERMA is one of the flagship initiatives under the health component of Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda, which also prioritises security, infrastructure, natural resources and agriculture, and education.

Reflecting on the agency’s five-month milestone, Dr. Urhoghide said the achievement underscores the state government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare regulation, enhancing patient safety and ensuring that residents have access to safe, quality and professionally regulated healthcare services.

Davidson Ogbebor

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has secured a 10 per cent equity stake for the state in a proposed 100-megawatt power plant, describing the deal as a strategic investment that will boost internally generated revenue, create jobs and improve electricity supply across the state.

The governor disclosed this on Wednesday while receiving the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu; the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CCETC, Mr. Di Xiaohui; and their respective delegations at the Government House, Benin City.

Governor Okpebholo said the agreement represents a significant shift from previous investment arrangements, as Edo State would no longer merely provide land for major projects but would become an equity partner with long-term economic benefits.

The proposed 100MW power plant, to be sited at Ologbo, is expected to strengthen electricity supply, support industrial growth and enhance economic activities in the state.

The governor explained that although the state is not making a direct financial investment in the project, it successfully negotiated a 10 per cent equity stake in exchange for providing land and creating a conducive environment for the investment.

“Edo State does not have the money to invest in this power plant. But we have land, and we will provide security to ensure that your business thrives.

“I also told them that we cannot just give them our land; we have to be part owners too. They agreed to a 10 per cent equity stake. That is the agreement we are going to sign today,” he said.

According to the governor, the arrangement will deliver multiple benefits, including improved electricity supply, increased state revenue and employment opportunities for Edo youths.

“I am happy with this development. One, we will now have light. Two, we will also have a stake in the project. Beyond that, the state will earn revenue from it, while our young people will benefit from employment opportunities. To me, this is a win-win situation,” he added.

Governor Okpebholo expressed optimism that the power plant would become operational by November, describing the project as one of the landmark achievements of his administration.

He noted that the initiative became necessary following the collapse of previous partnership arrangements and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to pursuing investment models that guarantee greater value for the people of Edo State.

The governor further disclosed that his administration has adopted a policy of encouraging investors to partner directly with the Edo State Government, rather than private individuals, to safeguard public interest and ensure transparency and accountability.

He also revealed plans to expand power generation across the state through the establishment of additional power plants in Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts to improve electricity access and stimulate economic growth.

Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, said the bank was pleased to support investments capable of driving economic transformation in Edo State.

He disclosed that CCETC currently operates a 15-megawatt power plant in the state and is developing the new 100MW facility at Ologbo, which he said would significantly enhance industrialisation and economic development.

“We know that CCETC already has a 15-megawatt power plant in Edo State, and they are now constructing a 100-megawatt power plant as part of what we believe will be a major economic development and transformation initiative for the state,” Alebiosu said.

Also speaking, the Edo State Commissioner for Power commended Governor Okpebholo for his visionary leadership and commitment to repositioning the state’s energy sector.

He said the project would improve electricity supply, attract investments, create employment opportunities and expand the state’s revenue base.

By Davidson Ogbebor

The Executive Chairman of Egor Local Government Council, Hon. Osaro Osa Eribo, has visited victims of the recent fire outbreak that destroyed a residential building at No. 2 Eriyo Street, off Aghedo Street, Textile Mill Road, in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, assuring them of government support and immediate relief.

Hon. Eribo made the visit to assess the extent of the damage and sympathise with families affected by the inferno, which destroyed property worth millions of naira but claimed no lives.

Speaking during the visit, the landlord of the building, Mr. John Osamwonyi, expressed gratitude that no lives were lost despite the scale of the disaster. He, however, lamented the extensive destruction caused by the fire.

He commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for revitalising the Edo State Fire Service, noting that the firefighters responded promptly and succeeded in containing the blaze, thereby preventing further damage.

Osamwonyi also praised Hon. Eribo for visiting the scene less than 24 hours after the incident, describing the gesture as a demonstration of responsive leadership, compassion and genuine concern for the welfare of residents.

One of the victims, Mr. John Ossai Eno, said the fire was caused by a power surge, adding that he lost all his belongings, including his children’s personal effects and school uniforms.

While thanking God that no lives were lost, Eno expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government and the Egor Local Government Chairman for their prompt response and solidarity with the victims.

Addressing the affected families, Hon. Eribo sympathised with them over the unfortunate incident and assured them that the local government would not abandon them in their time of need.

He thanked God that there was no loss of life and reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting the victims through the recovery process.

The council chairman also announced plans to provide temporary accommodation for the displaced families as an immediate measure while additional assistance is being arranged to help them rebuild their lives.

He reiterated the commitment of the Egor Local Government administration to responsive governance, emergency intervention and the welfare of residents, particularly during periods of hardship and distress.

By Davidson Ogbebor

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has described the return of the Benin Bronzes as a historic milestone for the Benin Kingdom, maintaining that the priceless artefacts belong to the Oba of Benin’s Palace and should not become a subject of political controversy.

The governor stated this on Wednesday while receiving the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, alongside the Consul General of Switzerland in Lagos, Conny Camenzind; the Director of the Ethnographic Museum of the University of Zurich, Professor Dr. Alice Hertzog; Curator at the museum, Dr. Alex Malefakis; and other members of the delegation at Government House, Benin City.

Governor Okpebholo commended the Swiss Government, the NCMM and other stakeholders for their roles in facilitating the restitution of the artefacts, describing the development as a defining moment in the history of the Benin Kingdom.

“First of all, let me thank you for this moment because this is a defining history in our land. To me, there is no point in playing politics with what belongs to the palace.

“We have culture here. I believe in our culture. Those bronzes are not just bronze; they are symbolic and spiritual to our kingdom. Wherever they are, they will all find their way back to Nigeria, to Edo State,” the governor said.

He stressed that the Benin Bronzes embody the rich cultural heritage and identity of the Benin people and should remain under the custody of the traditional institution.

“There is no point playing politics with them. They all belong to the Oba’s Palace. We have only one Oba’s Palace in Edo State,” he added.

Reflecting on the historical circumstances surrounding the removal of the artefacts, Governor Okpebholo noted that the British invasion of Benin was largely influenced by the global prominence and cultural achievements of the Benin Empire.

“The British that came here came for a reason. They heard something about the Benin Empire. That is why they came here. They found these things very interesting and took them out of this country to theirs.

“So now, I am happy that the Swiss Government has decided to say, ‘Yes, let’s return these back to the owners.’ I want to thank your government for taking this initiative in bringing these bronzes back to our palace,” he said.

The governor further remarked that although the restitution might appear modest, it carried profound historical and moral significance.

“It might look small to you, but the blessings ahead are huge,” he added.

Earlier, the Director-General of the NCMM, Olugbile Holloway, said the delegation’s visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the Edo State Government and marking another milestone in the international campaign for the restitution of Benin artefacts.

“As you are aware, with the topic of restitution and the return of the Benin Bronzes, Benin is ground zero when it comes to that aspect, and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments is at the forefront of the battle for restitution,” Holloway said.

He disclosed that the commission was working closely with the Palace of the Oba of Benin to facilitate the return of more artefacts currently held in museums and private collections abroad.

“We are working with the Palace and His Royal Majesty to ensure that as many of these bronzes that found their way into foreign museums begin to come home,” he said.

Holloway also revealed that the delegation would proceed to the Oba’s Palace to symbolically present some of the returned artefacts to His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, for traditional blessings. He added that all the artefacts returned by Switzerland had already arrived in Nigeria and were currently in Lagos.

Speaking on behalf of the Swiss Government, Consul General Conny Camenzind described the restitution as a significant milestone in the growing relationship between Switzerland and Nigeria.

She expressed satisfaction with the collaboration between the Swiss authorities, the NCMM and the participating museums, noting that the successful restitution marked the beginning of a deeper partnership between both countries.

The meeting was attended by the Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq.; Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, Esq.; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Musa Yakubu, JP; and other senior government officials.

The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Edo State Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani has disclosed that the 2026 Summit, exhibition and fashion show organized by Edo State Tourism Agency is a platform to reposition Edo as a tourism destination.

Anani made the disclosure while delivering a goodwill message at the maiden edition of the 2026 Summit, exhibition and fashion show with the theme “Edo tourism, the new frontier” held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo creative hub along Airport road in Benin City.

Anani represented by the wife of the Secretary to Edo State Government Nimata Umar Ikhilor commend the Edo State tourism agency for the initiative and efforts to bring together government, investors, development partners, creatives, entrepreneur and tourism Stakeholders to chat a new bold future for tourism in Edo State.

She noted that the summit is more than an event but a statement of purpose which reflects the determination to reposition Edo as one of Nigeria’s foremost tourism destinations.

“This summit stands as a platform to showcase Edo State rich cultural heritage, tourism assets, attract domestic and international investment, strengthen partnership, promote an emerging creative Industry, empower our young people, advance sustainable development and increase tourism traffic into the State.

“Tourism is one of the strongest vehicles for job creation, attracts investment, stimulates enterprise, supports hospitality, promotes art and culture, grows the economy and the creative economy, empowers women and projects a positive image of Edo State and Nigeria to the rest of the world.

“Edo is blessed with tourism assets capable of attracting visitors across Nigeria and around the world. This submit encourages dialogue, investment, partnership and the exhibition showcases the richness of our heritage enterprise and tourism potentials”, she concluded.

The Director General DG Edo State Tourism Agency Lady Vivian Elabor said the event marks a decisive moment in our collective journey to reposition Edo State as a leading destination for tourism, arts , culture, fashion and the creative economy in Nigeria and across Africa.

She noted that the event is not a show of fashion but a celebration of identity, heritage and extraordinary, creating the spirit that defines the Edo people.

“I commend the governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo whose visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to economic diversification continue to inspire a new era of tourism for the creative industry.

“Your administration’s deliberate investment in tourism, culture and creative economy is opening a new frontier for wealth creation, empowerment, enterprise, development and sustainability economic growth”.

She said the Edo State Tourism Agency has laid a solid foundation for a viable tourism industry in the State as it has successfully developed the Edo State tourism calendar with various tourism activities which will involve all in the creative Industry.

“We have successfully developed tourism clubs across secondary schools across Edo State to nurture future ambassadors of our heritage, commence the Edo moat cleaning project as part of preserving our historic assets.

“Developed a prototype ICT tourism portal to digitally showcase our attraction and integrated tourism champion who will serve as ambassador for the promotion of Edo State, Nigeria and beyond”.

The highpoint of the event was 12 contestants contesting for top price showcasing their fashion lines and design and the contest was won by Dannis Odion Artistry and received the sum of N500,000 naira. The second runner up success fashion got N250,000 while the first runner up Imagine fashion went home with N350,000 while the other contestants went home with consolation prices of N100,000 each.

Davidson Ogbebor

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has congratulated former Deputy Governor of Edo State and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pius Egberanmwen Odubu, on his 69th birthday.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Governor Okpebholo described Odubu as a distinguished statesman, accomplished legal practitioner and committed party leader whose decades of service have made significant contributions to the development of Edo State and Nigeria.

The governor said the former deputy governor had consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership, integrity and unwavering commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, noting that his experience and dedication to public service continue to inspire younger generations.

According to the governor, “On behalf of the Government and the good people of Edo State, I heartily congratulate Rt. Hon. Pius Odubu on the joyous occasion of his 69th birthday.

“Your remarkable contributions to public service, the legal profession and the growth of our great party have earned you the respect and admiration of many. Your dedication, wisdom and statesmanship remain invaluable assets to Edo State and our nation.

“As you celebrate another year of God’s faithfulness, I pray that the Almighty grants you continued good health, strength, wisdom and many more years of fulfilling service to humanity.”

Governor Okpebholo wished the elder statesman a memorable celebration with his family, friends, political associates and well-wishers, expressing confidence that his legacy of selfless service and commitment to good governance would continue to inspire future generations.

The statement was signed by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo.

BY, DR. PATRICK AKHERE EBOJELE

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, believes Nigeria’s security challenges can be effectively tackled through shared responsibility, stronger state governors involvement and a security structure that gives them greater role and control as they are closer to the people.

According to him, governors must take full ownership and control of security in their states because they understand the unique challenges facing their communities and are directly accountable to the people.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can not come to Edo or visit all the states at the same time because he is just one person. If I protect Edo State and every other governor protects their states, insecurity will become a thing of the past,” Okpebholo said.

The governor was addressing an All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ interactive session at Okaijesan Town Hall, Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, and urged the 36 state governors to take greater responsibility for protecting lives and property.

Governor Okpebholo’s advocacy for state police which the nation is articulating right now, is based on the argument that all security challenges are local and require responses driven by local intelligence, understanding, and personnel. He is not saying the federal government should be hands-off. No, but states should have greater authority to complement federal security efforts.

Nigeria’s policing system has remained largely centralised, with the Nigeria Police Force operating under federal control. Although governors are regarded as chief security officers of their states, they do not have direct operational control over police formation, though they have security votes.

Governor Okpebholo’s argument is that this creates a gap between responsibility and authority, as states are expected to address security concerns without full control over the main law enforcement institution.

His position aligns with the security pillar of his SHINE Agenda, which places the protection of lives and property at the center of governance. His administration believes a safe environment is necessary for economic growth, investment, infrastructure development, and job creation.

His administration has since inception highlighted measures aimed at improving security in Edo State, including stronger intelligence gathering, technology-driven security operations, faster criminal justice processes, and support for community-based security initiatives.

The governor criticised those who blame President Tinubu alone for the country’s security challenges, arguing that insecurity requires collective action from the federal government, state governments, and local communities.

“Many governors are working hard to solve security challenges across the nation. Governors should take charge of their various states and address the security situation. This is what is called sub-national responsibility, and it will help solve the problem,” he said.

On a different terrain, supporters of state police argue that decentralising policing would allow states to respond faster to crimes such as kidnapping, banditry, cultism, and organised criminal activities. However, they have raised concerns about possible abuse of powers by state governments.

To address these concerns, ongoing efforts are for state police systems that must include strong safeguards, including independent oversight, professional recruitment, proper training, respect for human rights, and clear accountability mechanisms. In addition, effective policing requires adequate resources for personnel, equipment, technology, communication systems, and welfare.

For Governor Okpebholo, security is not only about fighting crime but also about creating an environment where development can thrive. He believes a secure state is a secure Nigeria that will attract investment, protect businesses, and improve the confidence of all citizens.

Dr. Ebojele has his PhD. in Public Administration and is the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State

By Davidson Ogbebor

IRRUA – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called on Nigeria’s 36 state governors to take greater responsibility for tackling insecurity in their respective states, arguing that the nation’s security challenges can only be overcome through coordinated efforts by all levels of government.

The governor made the call during an interactive session with stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Okaijesan Town Hall in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, over the weekend.

Speaking on the country’s security situation, Okpebholo said it was unfair to hold President Bola Ahmed Tinubu solely responsible for insecurity, stressing that governors also have a constitutional duty to protect lives and property within their states.

According to him, President Tinubu cannot be physically present in every state to address security challenges, making it imperative for state governments to assume greater responsibility for securing their territories.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cannot come to Edo or visit all the states at the same time because he is just one person. If I protect Edo State and every other governor protects their states, insecurity will become a thing of the past,” the governor said.

Okpebholo maintained that addressing insecurity requires collective action, noting that governors must strengthen security initiatives and work closely with security agencies to safeguard their people.

He also criticised opposition politicians who previously served as vice president or state governors for blaming the current administration over insecurity, questioning what concrete measures they implemented to tackle similar challenges while they held office.

The governor said many state chief executives were making significant efforts to confront security threats and insisted that greater commitment by governors across the federation would substantially reduce criminal activities.

“Many governors are working hard to solve security challenges across the nation. Governors should take charge of their various states and address the security situation. This is what is called sub-national responsibility, and it will help solve the problem,” he added.

The governor’s remarks were contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, after the APC stakeholders’ meeting in Irrua.