In commemoration of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s first 100 days in office, the Edo State government, in collaboration with Policy House International, held a policy dialogue on February 21, 2025, at the John Oyegun Public Service Academy.

The event brought together civil servants, academics, business leaders, security officials, and civil society groups to assess governance progress and discuss economic growth, education, public safety, and infrastructure development.

At the event, Alhaji Musa Ikhilor, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), emphasised the administration’s commitment to citizen engagement and infrastructure development. “The government is making massive investments that will ease hardship, accelerate growth, and improve quality of life over the next few years,” he said, adding that continuous dialogue with citizens would help prevent misconceptions about government policies.

Barr. Felix Isere, special adviser on Oil and Gas, highlighted the state’s push for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative energy source. He called for a more transparent local content policy in the oil and gas sector, ensuring local contractors benefit from procurement activities. “We must diversify our economy beyond a civil service structure into mining, oil and gas, and a vibrant SME sector,” he stated.

Discussions also focused on education, with stakeholders calling for better funding, recruitment of qualified teachers, and a review of the EdoBEST programme. Dr Paddy Iyamu, education commissioner, stressed the need to invest in technology-driven learning and strengthen education monitoring systems. “We cannot afford to let infrastructure decay; quality education requires both physical and intellectual investment,” he said.

On security, participants commended the governor over the amended anti-cultism law and called for greater intelligence-sharing among Edo and neighbouring states.

Retired CSP Yusuf Haruna underscored the need for community-driven security initiatives. “A collaborative approach involving government, security agencies, and citizens is crucial to tackling crime,” he noted.

Discussions on healthcare emphasised the government’s commitment to expanding free malaria treatment and improving access to primary healthcare. Dr Cyril Oshiomhole, Commissioner for Health, urged state officials to patronise public hospitals to boost confidence in the sector. “Leadership by example is key to strengthening our healthcare system,” he said.

The event also addressed food security, with stakeholders praising the revival of the Igarra Cattle Ranch and increased agricultural investments. However, concerns were raised over farmer-herder conflicts, with calls for decisive action to resolve disputes.

Policy House International’s executive director, Taiwo Akerele, described the dialogue as vital in strengthening governance and accountability. “Edo State has the potential to be among Nigeria’s top five economies in the next five years, but bold policy choices are needed,” he stated.

A documentary showcasing the administration’s achievements in its first 100 days was also aired during the event.

Former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on Sunday, hosted one Sikiru Olaboye, one of the men he said made an attempt to assassinate him in 2006 prior to his election as governor of Osun State.

Aregbesola, who is a two-time governor of Osun State from 2010 to 2018, said on his verified Facebook page that Mr. Olaboye had in 2006, alongside others, planned to kill him during the Oroki Day Celebration in Osogbo, the state capital.

The former governor who shared photos from the Sunday event and those showing his bullet-ridden vehicle in 2006, said he was informed that Olaboye called a radio station few weeks ago where he sought his forgiveness.

“Earlier today, I received Sikiru Olaboye, one of the men who attempted to assassinate me during the 2006 Oroki Day Celebration in Osogbo.

“I was informed that he called into a local radio station in Osogbo a few weeks ago to seek my forgiveness,” Aregbesola disclosed.

He added that in the course of praying for Olaboye, he assured that he bore no further grudges against him, and sought no revenge after God spared his life from the attack.

“Today (Sunday), while praying for him, I assured him that I hold no grudges against him or anyone else involved. I neither harboured resentment nor sought revenge after God spared me from that attack.

“It is God alone who has the power to forgive all our shortcomings. As His servants, I pray that He forgives both his and mine, Aamen!,” the former minister said.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) last week expelled Aregbesola, a former strong ally of President Bola Tinubu, from the party, citing anti-party activities.

The Omoluabi Progressives (TOP), a group of Aregbesola’s loyalists had prior to their principal’s expulsion from the APC, announced that they were pulling out of the party.

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