Benin City- Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has been honoured with the OPAL Award for Excellent Performance by the St. Maria Goretti Old Girls Association in recognition of his administration’s leadership and developmental strides in the state.

The recognition came shortly after the governor was named Best Governor of the Year in Education for 2025 by New Telegraph Newspaper, marking another major accolade for his administration.

The OPAL Award was presented during the 2026 SMAGOGA Awards and Alumni Gala Night held at Madison Place in Victoria Island, Lagos, where distinguished alumni, professionals and invited guests gathered to celebrate excellence in leadership and service.

Governor Okpebholo was represented at the ceremony by Lady Omorede Osifo, his Special Adviser on Women Mobilisation, who received the award on behalf of the Edo State Government.

Speaking after receiving the award, Osifo conveyed the governor’s appreciation to the association for recognising what she described as the administration’s commitment to people-oriented policies and sustainable development in Edo State.

She noted that the honour further reinforces the government’s resolve to continue implementing programmes aimed at improving infrastructure, empowering citizens and strengthening institutions across the state.

According to her, the governor remains committed to delivering inclusive governance and meaningful development that will positively impact communities across Edo State.

The St. Maria Goretti Old Girls Association, the alumni body of St. Maria Goretti Girls’ Grammar School, is known for promoting education, empowering women and supporting initiatives that contribute to societal development.

The gala night attracted members of the SMAGOGA alumni network, corporate leaders, professionals and other notable Nigerians who gathered to celebrate leadership, service and the enduring legacy of the institution.

Governor Okpebholo described the recognition as a collective honour for the people of Edo State and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining policies and programmes that will continue to drive the state’s growth and development.

The press release signed and made available to the media by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Edo State.