As Senator Monday Okpebholo is getting ready to assumes the mantle of leadership as the newly elected Governor of Edo State in November, expectations are high for a transformative tenure that will foster sustainable growth across the state’s three senatorial districts: Edo South, Edo Central, and Edo North. Will he be building on the achievements of his predecessor or the predecessor of Governor Godwin Obaseki? This will be in the mind of the Edo people I hope they will have a better understanding of the political waters, but Senator Okpebholo has an opportunity to not only consolidate on existing bright initiatives but also to introduce better  innovative policies that can open new frontiers for development across the state.

Upon assuming office, Edo citizens would hope the Senator should look into some of the positive move made by Governor Obaseki’s administration in several areas, particularly in education, infrastructure, and digital innovation. Among these are as follows:

The EdoBEST program: A pioneering educational reform that aimed to improve basic education through technology. Senator Okpebholo could expand this by integrating advanced STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs in secondary schools and vocational institutions to prepare Edo students in all 18 LGAs for the digital economy.

The Edo Innovation Hub: As a digital hub that encouraged tech entrepreneurship, this initiative can be further enhanced by transforming it into a more robust ecosystem that incorporates international partnerships, funding opportunities, and accelerator programs for tech startups. If this particular initiative is maintained and sustained by the incoming Governor it will consolidate with the employment opportunities for Edo youths.

Infrastructure and roads: Obaseki’s investment in infrastructure, particularly in Edo South, laid the groundwork for improved connectivity. Okpebholo’s administration can accelerate this momentum by extending these road networks and focusing on rural and urban areas in Edo North and Edo Central, which remain highly underdeveloped.

A Balanced Development Across the Three Senatorial Districts

Edo State’s development has often been concentrated in certain regions, particularly Benin City in Edo South. Senator Okpebholo’s administration should prioritize inclusive development that evenly distributes opportunities across the three senatorial districts.

Edo South: As the economic hub of the state, Benin City and it environs should be positioned as a regional economic powerhouse. Investment in large-scale urban renewal projects, upgrading the Benin River network as mini-Ports to control traffic and improve the movement of goods and services through the riverine areas, and establishing new industrial parks to bolster commerce and trade. These steps would attract investors, create jobs, and boost Edo’s internally generated revenue (IGR).

Edo Central: As the home of the governor-elect, known for its rich cultural heritage, Esanland can become a tourism and agribusiness hub. The establishment of agro-industrial zones focusing on processing cash crops like cassava, palm oil, and cocoa could drive economic growth. Leveraging the historical and cultural assets of the region, a tourism master plan could be implemented to attract visitors and international attention.  The riverine areas can be used as a means of industrial advancement that is sustainable.

Edo North: Edo North could witness a transformation through strategic investments in solid minerals and agriculture. The region is rich in mineral resources such as limestone and marble, and the Okpebholo’s administration could foster mining partnerships and training programs that would benefit the local economy. Additionally, Edo North’s large arable land presents a significant opportunity for large-scale agricultural investments, which could spur food security and rural development.

Improved Healthcare Delivery

One of the major challenges in Edo State is the inadequacy of healthcare services, especially in rural areas. Okpebholo could adopt a decentralized healthcare model, ensuring that each senatorial district has well-equipped general hospitals with specialized care facilities. Expanding on Obaseki’s Edo Health Improvement Program (Edo-HIP), this administration can improve primary healthcare centers by introducing telemedicine services, recruiting more health professionals, and upgrading health infrastructure across the state.

Infrastructure Development and Rural Electrification

To drive development across the three districts, Senator Okpebholo must prioritize infrastructure development, particularly in underserved areas. This involves:

Road Networks: Expanding rural roads to connect remote villages to urban centers and facilitate the movement of goods and services.

Power Supply: A comprehensive rural electrification program that taps into renewable energy, such as solar and hydropower, would provide rural communities with reliable electricity, thereby enhancing small businesses and local industries.

By ensuring that infrastructure projects extend beyond the urban centers and into rural areas, Okpebholo can stimulate economic growth throughout Edo State.

Youth Empowerment and Job Creation

With a large youth population, Edo State needs a comprehensive youth empowerment strategy. Senator Okpebholo should expand skill acquisition centers in all three senatorial districts, ensuring that the youth receive training in tech, agriculture, and vocational skills. Creating incentives for businesses to employ young people, launching entrepreneurship grants, and strengthening mentorship programs would be pivotal in reducing unemployment and youth restiveness.

Strengthening Security and Governance

Security remains a pressing issue in Edo State, particularly with increasing rates of cultism, kidnappings, and violent crimes. Okpebholo’s administration should prioritize improving the capacity of the state’s security architecture by:

Collaborating with local vigilante groups and community policing initiatives to ensure that local areas are secure.

Investing in modern surveillance technologies, such as drones and CCTV, particularly in Edo North and rural regions where insecurity has hindered development.

Ensuring transparency and good governance to build trust between the government and the people. Open governance platforms that encourage citizen engagement will foster a sense of ownership and reduce apathy in governance.

Environmental Sustainability

Edo State has seen rapid urbanization, which has brought environmental challenges such as flooding, deforestation, and erosion. To address this, Okpebholo can consolidate on Obaseki’s environmental initiatives by introducing stricter regulations on land use, building drainage systems, and enforcing anti-deforestation laws. Additionally, a statewide waste management program that promotes recycling and waste-to-energy initiatives would ensure a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

Finally, the Governor-elect Senator Monday Okpebholo should ensure in running the business of government must be focus on the people of Edo State, as he has a unique opportunity to write a new chapter in State’s developmental story. By building on some of the brilliant initiatives of Governor Obaseki and introducing new policies that target inclusive growth, infrastructure development, youth empowerment, creative revenue policies and security, Edo State can witness transformative progress. With strategic planning and a commitment to fairness across the three senatorial districts, Okpebholo’s administration can unlock the potential of Edo State, making it a beacon of development in Nigeria’s South-South region.

Paul Okojie is a Media Consultant/Journalist