Okpebholo Visits Uzodinma, Vows To Make Edo One Of The Fastest Developing Places In Africa

The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has vowed to make the state one of the fastest developing places in Africa.

Okpebholo made this remark during a recent visit to his colleague in Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma.

In his discussions with the Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, the Edo State governor emphasized the importance of fostering healthy competition among State Governors to solve the nation’s current developmental issues.

Okpebholo underscored the necessity for Governors to undertake working visits to other States to exchange insights and assess the advancements being achieved.

He noted that the objective is not merely to replicate successful initiatives but to exceed them within their own jurisdictions.

He further asserted that such interactions could stimulate a constructive rivalry, leading to significant development throughout the country for the benefit of its citizens.

“Most times, sitting back in your comfort zone or State, you assume you are doing great. More so, when you are in a State where nothing tangible has been achieved in years. Little efforts and little strides, people begin to sing your praises so much that you think you have done marvellously well if care is not taken.

“But when you go to other States and see what other Governors are doing, you see the massive infrastructures going on, see the beautiful road network and level of coordination, you are bound to see governance in a whole new level,” the Edo State Governor said.

He added: “For me, I am on a course to bring massive development to Edo, such that when I leave, the State would have taken its spot as one of the fastest developing places in Africa. So, when I travel out or visit other States, I take my time to go round the cities and observe how things work, with the mindset of replicating working models in Edo.”

Governor Okpebholo praised Senator Uzodinma for the significant developmental progress achieved in Imo State.

The Governor noted that the transformation within a few years has been so remarkable that it is nearly unrecognizable, emphasizing that such positive change is commendable and should be emulated elsewhere.

He further stated that the Governor of Imo State serves as an exemplary representative of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, effectively showcasing through his reforms and initiatives the principles and values upheld by the forum.

He expressed his commitment not only to replicate these efforts in Edo but also to establish a new benchmark for development that would serve as a model for others.

Senator Okpebholo said: “I am impressed with what I have seen here. It is beautiful and motivating. You were in Edo a few months ago for the APC governorship primaries and saw the condition of things in the State. I can assure you that when next you visit Edo, you will not be able to recognize it because there would have been a massive developmental turnaround.

“I have a working template, I have taken my time to look at the State, and I came fully prepared to make a lasting positive impact. That is the reason we started working from day one in office as Governor. In one month, we have already done so much that Edo people can clearly see the direction we are heading.

“I want to thank you for what you are doing in your State and for being an inspiration to other Governors, especially those of us in the Progressives Governors’ Forum. What you have achieved is a challenge thrown at others, and I have taken this challenge. It is a healthy competition that would bring development to our people.”

On his part, Senator Uzodinma expressed his gratitude to his counterpart from Edo State for the visit, emphasizing that such engagements would enhance collaboration and serve as a model for improved governance as Governors exchange insights, share experiences, and learn from one another.

He also charged Governor Okpebholo to act as an exemplary representative of the Progressives Governors’ Forum by fostering significant development for his constituents and tackling critical issues that will lead to progress and relief for the people of Edo State.

Uzodinma conveyed his hope of witnessing a transformed, modern, and developed Edo during his next visit to the State.