….Presents administration’s scorecard, urges diaspora to back Edo’s development
By Henry Umoru
ABUJA — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has met with Edo indigenes in the United Kingdom, urging them to support his administration’s development agenda and work towards delivering 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
The engagement, held in London, formed part of the governor’s wider diaspora consultation aimed at strengthening ties with Edo communities abroad and encouraging their participation in the state’s political and economic development.
The forum, organised under the aegis of Shine Beyond Borders and hosted by the London Professional Training Centre, also provided an opportunity for Okpebholo to present his administration’s scorecard to Nigerians living and working in the United Kingdom.
According to the governor, the engagement was designed to mobilise Edo indigenes in the diaspora as partners in the state’s economic growth through investment, knowledge transfer and strategic partnerships.
During the interactive session, participants discussed issues affecting the state and explored practical ways of contributing to Edo’s sustainable development.
Okpebholo highlighted his administration’s achievements in infrastructure, security, healthcare, education and economic development, saying the SHINE Agenda was delivering measurable progress and making the state more attractive to investors.
He urged Edo professionals, entrepreneurs and investors living abroad to return home with their expertise, technology, global networks and investments to accelerate development.
The governor cited projects undertaken by his administration, including the Ramat Park Flyover in Benin City, the reconstruction of the Ekpoma–Auchi section of the Benin–Okene Highway using concrete pavement, the extension of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway through Edo State, and security initiatives such as the establishment of an Army Forward Operational Base, the siting of MOPOL 82 Squadron, the recruitment of 500 Forest Guards and the approval of a new Army division for the state.
Addressing the gathering without a prepared speech, Okpebholo described the meeting as a family conversation with Edo people in the diaspora.
He encouraged those who had never visited their ancestral communities to return home, not only as visitors but as stakeholders in the state’s future.
The governor also urged members of the diaspora to assess his administration based on its performance rather than what he described as negative narratives on social media.
He called on them to serve as ambassadors for Edo State by promoting its investment opportunities and speaking positively about their homeland.
Okpebholo further commended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying they had improved the financial capacity of state governments to execute developmental projects.
According to him, the removal of fuel subsidy and other reforms have enabled states to fund infrastructure projects and meet their financial obligations without relying on federal bailouts.
“The era of governors queuing for bailouts in Abuja before paying workers’ salaries is over. Today, states have more resources not only to pay salaries but also to undertake critical infrastructure projects, as is evident in Edo State,” he said.
As part of the engagement, the governor presented branded face caps and other souvenirs bearing President Tinubu’s image to members of the Edo diaspora in support of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, attended the event alongside the governor.
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