Okpebholo defends 18-month record, points to roads, schools and security gains

The Monday Okpebholo administration has pushed back against criticism of its performance, insisting that visible progress across infrastructure, education, healthcare and security reflects steady governance rather than political messaging.

Speaking in Benin City, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kasim Afegbua, said the government’s focus over the past 18 months has been on fixing inherited challenges, not engaging in propaganda.

He dismissed recent protests as the handiwork of “faceless actors,” arguing that the reality on the ground tells a different story. According to him, road construction and rehabilitation projects across Edo South, Central and North are already reshaping mobility, even as early rains slowed some timelines.

Afegbua highlighted key projects, including the near-completion of the Ramat Park flyover and another at Aduwawa junction, alongside the revival of previously abandoned roads such as Sapele Road. He maintained that the administration could “beat its chest” over infrastructure delivery within a relatively short period.

Infrastructure push, social investments take centre stage

Beyond roads, the government’s defence leaned heavily on social sector investments. Afegbua said about 6,500 teachers had been recruited, while dozens of dilapidated schools lacking basic facilities like roofs, desks and toilets had been rehabilitated.

He noted that completed school projects had grown from 68 within the first year of the administration to nearly 80, signalling what he described as consistent progress in the education sector.

Healthcare has also seen expansion, with 75 primary healthcare centres already constructed and a target of 160 set within four years. According to the commissioner, many of these facilities are already operational, improving access to care at the grassroots.

He added that work had resumed on the Stella Obasanjo Hospital, which the administration inherited at 55 per cent completion, while higher education also received a boost through a N2 billion infrastructure investment in Edo State University Iyamho.

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Monthly subvention to the institution was also increased significantly, alongside the provision of buses to ease student mobility.

Security improvements, economic relief measures highlighted

On security, Afegbua acknowledged that criminal activity had shifted towards rural areas but insisted that overall safety had improved compared to when the administration took office.

He cited bush-combing operations, arrests and the destruction of criminal hideouts as evidence, alongside the procurement of over 100 Hilux vehicles and 300 motorcycles to support security agencies. Community-based vigilance efforts and rapid response systems for emergencies were also introduced to strengthen local security architecture.

Economic relief measures were also part of the government’s scorecard. Afegbua pointed to a N1 billion interest-free loan scheme for market women and another N1 billion allocated for student bursaries, aimed at easing financial pressure and expanding access to education.

While concerns around transparency persist, particularly on project costs, the commissioner maintained that all contracts followed due process and received State Executive Council approval.

He concluded by calling for public cooperation, stressing that governance outcomes, especially in security, depend not only on government action but collective responsibility.