Paragraph 1: Ushering in a New Era of Homegrown Governance in Edo State
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State marked his first 100 days in office with a resounding declaration of his administration’s commitment to building a homegrown economy, empowered by the people of Edo State. This landmark event, held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, signified a decisive shift away from reliance on external consultants and towards fostering local expertise and ownership. The Governor emphasized his commitment to empowering local talent and businesses, underscoring his vision of a self-reliant Edo State. This new direction represents a fundamental change in the state’s governance philosophy, prioritizing internal capacity building and sustainable economic growth driven by its own citizens.
Paragraph 2: Strengthening Security and Combating Cultism: Foundational Steps for Progress
A key pillar of Governor Obaseki’s first 100 days has been a concerted effort to enhance security and combat the pervasive issue of cultism. The recovery of 3,500 illegal arms from the reformed Edo State Security Corps demonstrates the administration’s proactive stance in addressing crime and ensuring public safety. Further bolstering security measures, the government has invested in 75 Toyota Hilux vehicles and 50 motorcycles for security agencies, demonstrating a tangible commitment to equipping law enforcement with the necessary resources. Moreover, the amendment of the anti-cultism and anti-kidnapping law, introducing stiffer penalties, signals a zero-tolerance approach towards these criminal activities and aims to create a safer environment for all residents.
Paragraph 3: Economic Revitalization and Prudent Financial Management
Governor Obaseki’s administration has prioritized economic revitalization through prudent financial management and the elimination of wasteful spending. By disengaging external consultants and streamlining government operations, the state has achieved record-breaking internally generated revenue (IGR) exceeding ₦10 billion. This fiscal discipline has allowed for reinvestment in critical sectors and the improvement of public service efficiency. The Governor emphasized the importance of creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, highlighting the provision of soft loans to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as a crucial step in fostering economic growth and empowering local entrepreneurs.
Paragraph 4: Investing in Human Capital: Healthcare and Youth Development
Recognizing the importance of investing in human capital, Governor Obaseki’s administration has launched initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access and empowering youth. The introduction of free malaria tests and treatment for the next two years reflects a commitment to addressing a prevalent health concern and ensuring affordable healthcare for all citizens. Furthermore, emphasis on youth skills development through the Economic Development Plan demonstrates a forward-looking approach to equipping the next generation with the tools necessary for success in a rapidly evolving economy. These initiatives are designed to create a healthier and more skilled workforce, contributing to long-term economic growth and social progress.
Paragraph 5: A Vision for Edo State: Economic Transformation and Sustainable Growth
Governor Obaseki articulated a clear vision for Edo State’s future, emphasizing economic transformation and sustainable growth. He outlined the Economic Development Plan, which prioritizes agriculture, infrastructure development, and youth skills enhancement, as the roadmap for achieving this vision. The Governor’s ambitious goal is to propel Edo State to become the fifth-largest economy in Nigeria within the next four years. This ambitious target underscores the administration’s commitment to creating a prosperous and vibrant economy that benefits all residents.
Paragraph 6: Garnering Support and Building Momentum for Progress
Governor Obaseki’s first 100 days in office have been met with positive feedback and expressions of support from key stakeholders. Senator Adams Oshiomhole commended the Governor’s decisive leadership style, characterizing him as an "action governor." Speaker Blessing Agbebaku affirmed the State Assembly’s commitment to collaborating with the Governor in delivering good governance, highlighting the passage of key legislation aimed at promoting the state’s progress. Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), praised the Governor’s early achievements and the positive reports emanating from Edo State, signaling strong support from the national level for the Governor’s agenda. This widespread endorsement reinforces the momentum for positive change and sets the stage for continued progress in Edo State under Governor Obaseki’s leadership.
