Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has urged residents to remain united and committed to building a stronger state as Edo marks 35 years since its creation.
The governor described the anniversary as a celebration of resilience, shared progress and collective responsibility.
Edo was created from the former Bendel State on August 27, 1991.
Okpebholo said the anniversary provided an opportunity to assess progress, acknowledge previous contributions and renew commitment to future development.
He credited past administrations, traditional institutions, businesses and citizens for their roles in the state’s growth.
The governor said his administration would continue implementing its SHINE Agenda across security, health, infrastructure, education and economic development.
He said cooperation with security agencies had been strengthened to respond to crime.
In healthcare, the administration is upgrading facilities and training health workers, particularly at primary care level.
Okpebholo also said subventions to Ambrose Alli University and Edo State University had been increased.
The government has begun teacher recruitment to address staffing shortages in public schools.
On infrastructure, the governor cited road rehabilitation and construction of flyovers at Ikpoba Hill and Sapele Road in Benin City.
He also referred to urban renewal projects and energy investments.
Okpebholo said the 100 megawatt power project at Ologbo and related infrastructure at Taihu Industrial Park were intended to improve electricity supply and support industrial growth.
He argued that more reliable power could attract investment, strengthen existing businesses and create jobs. The governor said Edo’s future would depend less on slogans than on sustained execution of development projects and cooperation among citizens
