Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State is transforming the state’s fiscal trajectory from dependency to sustainability, achieving notable debt reduction and development expansion through disciplined governance. His administration prioritizes prudent management over populist debt accumulation, yielding tangible results across various sectors.

In a statement, Chief Press Secretary Fred Itua detailed that Edo’s domestic debt fell from ₦113 billion in December 2024 to ₦80 billion by June 2025, and foreign debt decreased from $383 million to $337 million, according to the Debt Management Office. Itua attributed this to transparent spending and strategic prioritization without reliance on new loans or bailouts. He said, “Governor Okpebholo’s stewardship has shifted the state from deficits to strategic development, proving results can come from within through intelligent resource management.”

Itua emphasized the role of the SHINE Agenda—Security, Health, Infrastructure, Nutrition-Agriculture, and Education—in focusing resources on critical areas. He noted that a ₦100 billion credit line for infrastructure is unused, as the governor mandates that borrowing only occur for clear, measurable outcomes. Itua quoted Governor Okpebholo: “We will borrow only when the project is visible, viable, and verifiable,” underscoring the administration’s commitment to accountability.

Itua also described how Okpebholo’s model, praised by financial analysts as strategic and moral, has tightened leakages and improved revenue processes, fostering investor confidence. Itua stated that projects such as urban roads, rural water schemes, school rehab, and healthcare expansion are underway, demonstrating that reform-minded leadership can achieve much without mortgaging the future. He repeated the governor’s words, “Public office is not for accumulation, it is for contribution,” and highlighted prompt payment to civil servants, relief for pensioners, and trust from contractors as evidence of renewed public confidence. Itua concluded that Edo is experiencing a quiet revolution of sustainable growth under Okpebholo, with a brighter future ahead.

Oba ghato kpere, iseeeeeeeeeeee!