Edo hosts policy dialogue to mark Okpebholo’s 100 days in office

The Edo government has hosted a policy dialogue to mark the 100 days in office of Monday Okpebholo, governor of the state.

The dialogue, which took place on February 21, at the John Oyegun Public Service Academy in Benin City, the Edo state capital, was supported by Policy House International.

Attended by civil servants, academics, business leaders, security officials, and civil society groups, the dialogue discussed governance progress, economic growth, education, public safety, and infrastructure development.

Musa Ikhilor, secretary to the state government (SSG), said the Okpebholo administration is committed 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.

Felix Isere, special adviser on oil and gas to Okpebholo, said the state is investing in compressed natural gas (CNG) as an alternative energy source.

He spoke about the need for a transparent local content policy in the oil and gas sector to ensure 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 said.

Paddy Iyamu, education commissioner, called for investments in technology-driven learning to strengthen education monitoring systems.

“We cannot afford to let infrastructure decay; quality education requires both physical and intellectual investment,” Iyamu said.

Cyril Oshiomhole, health commissioner, asked government officials to patronise public hospitals to boost confidence in the sector.

“Leadership by example is key to strengthening our healthcare system,” he said.

Taiwo Akerele, executive director of Policy House International, said the dialogue is essential for 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 said.

The event also addressed food security, with stakeholders commending the revival of the Igarra cattle ranch and agricultural initiatives of the government.