Governor Okpebholo: A bright Edo beckons

BY FRED ITUA

Sophocles, a Greek philosopher and writer in his Play, Antigone, noted: “I have nothing but contempt for the kind of governor who is afraid, for whatever reason, to follow the course that he knows is best for the state.” As Senator Monday Okpebholo assumes office today as the sixth elected governor of Edo state, Sophocles’ sacred letters ring out loud.

Okpebholo’s emergence as the governor of Edo state is both symbolic and historic. First, it has eclipsed the long marginalisation of the Esan (Ishan) ethnic group. In the last 33 years, the ethnic group, despite its cerebral population, has only held sway as managers of the state for an infinitesimal period of one year and six months. Today, the Edo people have proven to the rest of the world that everyone in the state matters.

Senator Okpebholo is not oblivious to the enormous tasks ahead of him. He is not also unaware of the damage the eight years of cankerworms and caterpillars Godwin Obaseki ruinously brought upon Edo people. Okpebholo may not have a full grasp of Godwin Obaseki’s damage yet. He is, however, ready to change the narratives, notwithstanding.

The emergence of Senator Okpebholo signals a new era of hope, progress, and transformative leadership. Born from humble beginnings, Okpebholo’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to service. Despite the financial constraints faced by his family, his parents instilled in him the values of hard work, honesty, and perseverance. These early lessons would shape his character and lay the foundation for his future successes.

Upon laying a strong foundation, Monday Okpebholo ventured into the world of business with a bold vision and unwavering determination. Drawing upon his innate entrepreneurial spirit and keen business acumen, he established successful ventures across various industries.

Through strategic decision-making, innovation, and a commitment to excellence, Okpebholo’s businesses flourished, creating jobs, driving economic growth, and contributing to the socio-economic development of Nigeria and Edo state.

Motivated by a desire to effect positive change and uplift the lives of his fellow citizens, Okpebholo transitioned into the realm of politics and public service. Recognising the need for visionary leadership and principled governance, he answered the call to serve his kinsmen and champion the aspirations of the people. As the Senator representing Edo central senatorial district, Monday distinguished himself as a principled leader, a tireless advocate for justice and equality, and a voice for the voiceless.

As a governor, his conviction will be grounded in a profound commitment to the people of Edo state and a bold vision for the future. He envisions a state where every citizen has access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

His economic blueprint prioritises job creation, infrastructural development, and investment in key sectors,  such as agriculture, technology, and tourism.

Okpebholo is a firm believer in the transformative power of good governance, transparency, and accountability. He has pledged to govern with integrity, fairness, and inclusivity, ensuring that the voices of all Edo citizens will be heard and adequately represented.

Central to Okpebholo’s leadership philosophy is a deep-seated belief in servant-leadership and people-centred governance. He understands that leadership is not about wielding power or advancing personal agendas but about serving the needs and interests of the people.

Senator Okpebholo will lead by example and demonstrate humility, empathy, and a genuine concern for the welfare of his constituents – Edo people. He will foster collaboration, dialogue, and consensus-building and recognise that collective action is essential for driving meaningful change and progress.

Okpebholo’s vision for Edo state is grounded in a grassroots approach that prioritises community engagement, outreach, and empowerment. He understands the importance of connecting with people on a personal level, listening to their concerns, and earning their trust.

Okpebholo represents the embodiment of hope, progress, and transformative leadership. His life story, marked by resilience, determination, and a commitment to service, resonates with the aspirations of the people of Edo state.

With his vision, integrity, and proven track record of success, Okpebholo is poised to lead Edo State into a new era of prosperity, unity, and inclusive development.

As the governor of Edo state, he will not retreat and place his responsibilities on the shoulders of others. He will make tough decisions that will move Edo forward. Unlike Obaseki, who earned himself a name as the most famous MoU governor, Okpebholo will rely on the expertise of the vibrant Edo state civil service and other capable hands he will hire to drive home his agenda for the Heart Beat of the nation.

Okpebholo repeatedly assured during the campaigns that “Edo will witness a new development. This is the time the civil servants in the state will have a free hand and enjoy their job. There will be no consultants coming from somewhere to do their jobs. We will give them a chance to do their job. Their salaries would be guaranteed and no one would reduce their salary.”

As an ICT guru, Okpebholo will harness the skills of Edo entrepreneurial youths and make the state the hub of IT experts in the West of the Savanah. Under his watch as governor, the vibrant youths of Edo will be put to gainful use and add to the growth and prosperity of the state.

No section, ethnic group, or religious aligners will be left out in Okpebholo’s government. With him as the captain of the ship, Edo state will berth successfully, and the people shall echo the book of Proverbs 29:2, that “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice”.

Rohini Nilekani, an Indian writer, author, and philanthropist, posited that “as citizens, we have to co-create good governance, we cannot outsource it and hope to be passively happy consumers. Like everything worth its while, good governance must be earned”.

What more can I add than to urge Edo sons and daughters to rally behind their worthy son? Okpebholo will make Edo state safe and great again.

From the Kukuruku Hills in Iyamho to the Anthills in Udomi; vast arable lands in Sobe, to the oil-rich Gele Gele; fear not! With Governor Monday Okpebholo, AKA, Akpako-Messiah, help has come!

As a Christian, I offer this prayer from the second stanza of a hymn, titled ‘Abide With Me’ by Henry Francis Lyte for Governor Okpebholo.

‘Abide with me, fast falls the eventide. The darkness deepens Lord, with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.’

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, rest and abide with Governor Monday Okpebholo, now and forevermore, Amen.

Long live Governor Okpebholo!
Long live Edo state!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Fred Itua is a journalist, a media researcher, and a worthy son of Edo state.