Benin City, Edo State – As Governor Monday Okpebholo marks his first 100 days in office, political leaders and residents alike are commending his administration’s swift action in addressing key infrastructural, security, and economic challenges in Edo State.
Mrs. Maryam Jibrin Obokhale, a prominent APC leader in Ward Three, Ikpoba-Okha and Director General of Uhunoma Foundation who is also a sister, friend and support to Governor Monday Okpebholo has described the governor’s early months in office as “smooth and highly commendable,” noting that his leadership has brought a new sense of hope and progress to the state.
"Governor Okpebholo inherited numerous challenges, but rather than dwell on them, he chose to act decisively. His vision of a 'New Edo' is becoming a reality, and he is committed to fulfilling his promises to the people,"_ she stated.
Infrastructure and Development Take Center Stage
One of the most notable achievements of the administration so far is the improvement in road infrastructure. According to Mrs. Jibrin, roads that were previously neglected under the past administration, often marked with signposts stating, “This road belongs to the federal government , bear with us” are now being repaired and reconstructed.
" _The governor, with the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has taken it upon himself to ensure that roads are fixed. Before now, traveling from Edo South to Edo North as well as roads connected to Edo Central was a long and difficult journey, but today, within just 100 days, movement across the state has been significantly improved," she explained._
Education, Security, and Empowerment_
Mrs. Maryam Jibrin Obokhale, DG Uhunoma Foundation, DG CAWAN; DG of Next Generation Women Foundation.
As the Vice President of Esan United Forum, she said "Governor Okpebholo’s administration has also made strides in education, with new structures being built and investments made in manpower and capacity development as well as Ambrose Ali University restructuring."
" Governor Monday Okpebholo is a man who does what he says. In just 100 days, we’ve seen improvements in education, security, Road infrastructure and empowerment programs,"_ Mrs. Jibrin added.
Security has also seen positive changes, with Edo experiencing a resurgence in nightlife as safety improves across the state. The administration’s efforts have led to increased confidence among residents, with businesses and social activities gradually returning to full swing.
In terms of empowerment, the First Lady, in collaboration with the governor, has spearheaded initiatives aimed at supporting both the youth and elderly with financial aid and essential resources.
" _What is being given is truly for the benefit of the people. And beyond that, the governor is not just sitting in his office but personally inspects projects to ensure they are being executed properly,"_ she said.
Resilience Despite Challenges
Despite the challenges inherited from the previous administration, as well as ongoing political and legal battles, Governor Okpebholo has remained steadfast in his commitment to governance.
" _He has made it clear that he will not use past failures as an excuse. Even with the court cases, he remains unshaken because he knows he won the election and has a duty to deliver,_ " Mrs. Jibrin remarked.
His focus, she said, is on ensuring that governance remains uninterrupted, and that the people of Edo State continue to benefit from his leadership.
" _His dedication to serving the people is evident. He is not distracted by politics;_ he is focused on results," she emphasized.
A Governor for the People*
With road repairs underway across the three senatorial districts and various sectors experiencing renewed development, Mrs. Jibrin expressed confidence that Edo State is on the right track.
" _What this government has achieved in just 100 days is what would typically take a year. We are grateful and proud to have Governor Okpebholo leading us,"_ she concluded.
As the administration moves forward, expectations remain high for continued progress in Edo State. The people are watching, hopeful that the governor’s early momentum will translate into long-term transformation. If the first 100 days are anything to go by, then the future of Edo looks promising.
A Call for Women’s Inclusion
While celebrating the governor’s achievements, Mrs. Jibrin also took the opportunity to appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to honor his promise of 35% representation for women in governance.
“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to our president, the humble, amazing, evergreen, compassionate leader, the one who says a thing and does it. I know he promised the womenfolk 35% of the jobs, and I am appealing to him. Women may not always be strong enough to compete with our fathers and leaders, but he should remember us in his administration,” she pleaded.
Uhunoma Foundation D.G emphasized that many women who worked tirelessly for the party during the election are watching and waiting, trusting that the president will recognize their contributions.
“We believe that when things settle down, he will remember those who stood by him not just me. I worked for him, with him, as a brother, as an Esan woman, as an Edo woman, and as someone who has the interest of the common people at heart. He has always said he is a product of a humble beginning, and I trust that he will not forget those who fought for this victory.”
A Passion for Service
Describing herself as a community worker dedicated to public service, Mrs. Jibrin expressed her willingness to contribute wherever she is needed.
“Those who know me understand that I love to serve humanity. If the governor or the president feels I can contribute to their vision, they can always call on me. I am someone who follows instructions without compromise.”
She recounted her extensive work in supporting the party’s success, highlighting key roles she played in ensuring Governor Okpebholo’s candidacy and eventual victory.
“I served as the Director of Unoma Foundation during the election. When the candidacy was tough, I was the only woman who came out and made a press appeal to President Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to consider Senator Monday Okpebholo. That video was sent directly to the APC National Headquarters.”
Beyond that, Mrs Jibrin played a crucial role in the campaign mobilization, working as the Local Government Women Mobilizer in Ikpoba-Okha, the Director of NGOs in the campaign council, and a key advocate within the Esan Republic, which publicly endorsed Okpebholo’s candidacy.
“When the media needed a woman to stand up and speak, I was the one who defended what I believed in. I even faced an American-based media personality to argue why Senator Monday Okpebholo was the most qualified candidate. Today, with the help of God and Edolites, he is our governor, and I know he will not disappoint the people.”
Hope for a Productive Four Years
Looking ahead, Mrs. Jibrin expressed confidence that Governor Okpebholo’s tenure will be remembered for its impact and transformation.
“At the end of these four years, I want people to say this was a productive administration, one that truly delivered on its promises. Edo State is on the path to greatness, and I believe Governor Okpebholo will continue to make us proud.”
As Edo State moves forward, expectations remain high for more development, greater inclusivity, and a government that prioritizes the needs of its people.