President Tinubu Believes in Nigeria’s Future, Says Okpebholo, as Edo Governor Hands Over Rebuilt Ekpoma Shops, Rewards Fire Victims

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a leader who genuinely believes in Nigeria’s future, as he commissioned rebuilt shops for fire victims in Ekpoma and presented them with financial rewards. In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, detailed the governor’s remarks during the inauguration of ward and local government coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and a defection rally held at Eguare Public field in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area.

Governor Okpebholo said the removal of fuel subsidy by President Tinubu, a decision many past leaders avoided, has unlocked resources now being channeled into development projects across the country. “That is the money we are using to work all over Nigeria today,” Okpebholo stated, adding that the president’s actions reflect a strong belief in Nigeria’s future and long-term prosperity. He disclosed that he recently hosted a critic of the policy and took him round ongoing projects in Edo State, noting that the critic was convinced after seeing how the funds are being utilized. He added that more independent observers, including Reuben Abati of Arise Television, would be invited to assess projects in the state. Reaffirming Edo State’s political support for the president, the governor said the state is ready to deliver 2.7 million votes in his favour.

The event also witnessed the official defection of major opposition political party members into the All Progressives Congress (APC). Notable politicians who led the groups included Senator Clifford Ordia, Hon. Joe Edionwele, Chief Clifford aka Cliff Sandra, and Mrs Ihenyen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alongside others from the Labour Party (LP).

Meanwhile, in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, Okpebholo fulfilled his promise to victims of the January crisis by officially handing over newly reconstructed police officers’ shops (POWA) that were razed during the unrest. He also presented cheques of ₦8 million each to affected shop owners, providing financial support to help them restart their businesses and rebuild their livelihoods. Recalling the incident, the governor said he was woken at about 3 a.m. with news that Ekpoma was on fire and immediately departed Abuja by 4 a.m., arriving in the town later that morning to assess the situation. He described the destruction as the handiwork of “evil men” who targeted shops, billboards, and private properties in a bid to disrupt peace in the community. “But today, it is a changed story,” Okpebholo noted, saying the reconstruction of the shops marks a significant step toward restoring economic activities and normalcy. The governor also revealed that President Tinubu followed the Ekpoma crisis through social media platforms, underscoring the presidency’s interest in developments across the country.

Dignitaries present included the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor Esq; the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, RT Hon Blessing Agbebaku; members of the State House of Assembly; party leaders; and other stakeholders. The inauguration of Renewed Hope Ambassadors and the defection exercise were conducted by the Edo State APC Deputy Chairman and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Sylvester Aigboboh, lawmakers at the National Assembly alongside other party leaders.

Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele further noted that the events underscore the governor’s commitment to development and political mobilization. Ebojele reiterated that the handover of rebuilt shops and cash rewards demonstrate Okpebholo’s responsiveness to the plight of citizens. According to Ebojele, the governor’s remarks in Irrua also served to consolidate political support for President Tinubu ahead of future elections.