Change Of Baton In Edo As Okpebholo Is Sworn In As Governor

By Ayodele Oni

The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, was agog on Tuesday as Monday Okpebholo and Dennis Idahosa  were sworn in as the Governor and Deputy Governor of Edo State, respectively.

Okpebholo takes over from Godwin Obaseki, who governed the state for eight years being a two-term governor.

The new Governor, who is of the  All Progressives Congress, (APC) had  defeated the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Asue Ighodalo in the Sepetember 21 election.

Meanwhile former Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has highlighted the innovations he introduced across various sectors of the state’s economy during his eight years in office.

Speaking during a broadcast on Monday night, Obaseki acknowledged the significant challenges his administration faced but emphasized the notable progress made in governance and infrastructure.

Upon assuming office in 2016, Obaseki said he opted for a transformative agenda rather than simply preserving the status quo.

This approach, he explained, led to extensive reforms in sectors such as education, healthcare, and agriculture.

The former governor also stressed his focus on rebuilding state institutions rather than empowering individuals or political godfathers, noting that the result has been a strong and efficient civil service in the state.

“Infrastructure improvements are evident, with over 850 kilometers of roads constructed and nearly 1,000MW of electricity generated daily.”