Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has sharply criticised his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, for commissioning projects that remain incomplete, calling the move misleading and unfair to the people of the state.
During an unscheduled inspection of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital and the Iyaro Education Hub in Benin City on Tuesday, Governor Okpebholo expressed dismay over the state of the facilities, which were publicly inaugurated just weeks before the end of Obaseki’s administration in October 2024.
> “It’s a disservice to the people of Edo and an attempt to hide inefficiency,” Okpebholo said.
He noted that the hospital was far from operational readiness, stating it was barely 60 percent complete, and that many of the hospital beds appeared to be recycled from the previous facility.
> “What we saw today was shocking. This hospital is nowhere near completion, yet it was commissioned,” he said, adding that his government would expedite the work to make the facility fully functional before the year ends.
At the Education Hub Complex in Iyaro, the governor expressed similar disappointment, accusing the past administration of staging a premature ribbon-cutting ceremony to score political points.
> “We are not here to play politics with the lives of Edo people,” he declared.
“Our mission is to rebuild, restore, and ensure every project serves the people.”
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that his government would uphold transparency and accountability by completing all abandoned and half-finished projects across the state.
> “Edo people deserve honesty and visible progress, not cosmetic governance. That era is over,” he said.
He promised that the Education Hub would soon be operational, with contractors set to resume work immediately. Once completed, the complex is expected to house key administrative bodies including the Ministry of Education, SUBEB, Library Board, an auditorium, and a staff restaurant.
George Bou Maroon, the contractor handling the project, confirmed the scope of the facility, saying it was designed to centralise and streamline educational administration in the state.
Governor Okpebholo assured that under his leadership, governance would focus on results, not photo opportunities.
NAN
