Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has embarked on a quest to transform his state using the development blueprint established by Senator Godswill Akpabio during his tenure as Akwa Ibom State Governor. Inspired by Akpabio’s remarkable achievements in transforming Akwa Ibom from a relatively underdeveloped state to a modern hub, Okpebholo has expressed his commitment to replicating this success in Edo State. This commitment was solidified during a recent visit to Akwa Ibom, where Okpebholo toured various projects and engaged with key stakeholders to gain firsthand insights into Akpabio’s development strategy. He publicly acknowledged Akpabio as his role model and vowed to adapt the “uncommon transformation” template to Edo’s specific needs and context.
Okpebholo’s admiration for Akpabio’s achievements stems from the visible transformation witnessed in Akwa Ibom State between 2007 and 2015. He highlighted Akpabio’s infrastructural development, particularly the modernization of Uyo, the state capital, which has become a model for urban development in Nigeria. Okpebholo believes that by emulating Akpabio’s approach, Edo State can achieve similar progress and elevate itself to become a leading state in the country. This approach, he believes, holds the key to unlocking Edo’s potential and delivering tangible benefits to its citizens.
The governor’s visit to Akwa Ibom was described as a fact-finding mission to understand the intricacies of Akpabio’s development model. He emphasized his intention to not merely copy but to adapt and refine the model to suit the unique circumstances of Edo State. This includes understanding the strategies employed for resource mobilization, project execution, and community engagement, all of which were crucial to Akpabio’s success. Okpebholo’s commitment to learning from Akpabio’s experience underscores his dedication to ensuring that his administration’s development initiatives are effective and sustainable.
Beyond infrastructural development, Okpebholo also praised Akpabio’s leadership style, particularly his ability to navigate complex political landscapes and build consensus. He noted Akpabio’s effective management of the Senate, citing his ability to calm tensions and maintain order even in challenging situations. Okpebholo sees these qualities as essential for effective governance and intends to emulate them in his own leadership approach. He believes that strong leadership is crucial for driving development and fostering unity within the state.
Akpabio, in response, commended Okpebholo’s humility and willingness to learn from experienced leaders. He viewed this as a positive indicator of Okpebholo’s potential for success as governor. Akpabio’s endorsement further bolsters Okpebholo’s credibility and strengthens the symbolic connection between the two administrations. This exchange underscores the importance of mentorship and collaboration in driving good governance and development across Nigeria.
The commitment by Governor Okpebholo to adopt and adapt the “uncommon transformation” agenda pioneered by Senator Akpabio represents a significant development in Edo State. It signals a proactive approach to governance focused on replicating proven development strategies. While the specific details of how this plan will unfold remain to be seen, the initiative reflects a clear vision for progress and a dedication to improving the lives of the people of Edo State. The success of this endeavor will hinge on the effective implementation of the adopted strategies and the ability of the Edo State government to adapt them to the unique challenges and opportunities present within the state.
