By Odita Sunday
Benin City came alive on Tuesday as Governor Monday Okpebholo marked his one year in office with a statewide inspection of major infrastructure projects, drawing massive crowds and spontaneous celebrations across Edo State.
From the newly renovated Army Day Secondary School in Ikpoba Hill to the fast-rising Adesuwa Junction Flyover and the 8.23-kilometre Okpagha–Amufi Road, the governor’s convoy was met with cheers, dancing, and chants of support as residents hailed his developmental strides.
It was a carnival atmosphere at Army Day Secondary School, where students in sparkling uniforms sang and waved flags, while teachers and parents held banners reading “Okpebholo, the Hope Restorer” and “Edo is Shining Again.”
Governor Okpebholo, visibly emotional, expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done on the once-neglected facility.
“When I came here last time, there were no roofs, no windows, and no conducive classrooms. Today, we have modern laboratories, renovated buildings, and a safe perimeter. This is what real progress looks like,” he said.
He also revealed plans to install solar-powered streetlights around the school premises to boost security and encourage students to study at night.
The governor credited his administration’s success to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that it continues to inspire people-centered governance in Edo.
Commissioner for Education, Hon. Paddy Iyamu, described the transformation as “a total rewrite of history,” noting that the once-abandoned school has become a model for public education.
“Children used to sweep their classrooms before learning could begin. The governor has restored dignity to education in Edo State,” he said.
Also speaking, PDP chieftain Otunba Segun Sowunmi praised the governor’s vision and commitment to education.
“Every investment in education is an investment in the future. If this is what one year looks like, then the future of Edo under Okpebholo is bright indeed,” he added.
At Adesuwa Junction, where construction of Edo’s second flyover bridge is progressing ahead of schedule, residents thronged the area to welcome the governor.
Special Adviser on Project Monitoring, Engr. Phoebe Williams-Bello, disclosed that the project was six months ahead of schedule and that all affected property owners had been compensated.
“What we are seeing is not politics — it’s tangible development happening before our eyes,” she said.
The excitement continued at the Okpagha–Amufi Road site, linking Ikpoba-Okha and Uhunmwonde LGAs. The crowd erupted in joy as the governor’s convoy arrived, celebrating the long-awaited road project now nearing completion.
One community leader said, “This road was a nightmare for years. Today, we can drive freely. Governor Okpebholo has restored our confidence in government.”
The inspection tour ended in a festive mood as traders, artisans, and students flooded the streets, waving banners and chanting songs of appreciation.
For many, the day was not just about marking an anniversary — it was a celebration of renewed hope, visible progress, and transformational leadership under Governor Okpebholo.