Why We Must All Support Senator Monday Okpebholo in Developing Edo State

 

By Wellington Osadolor 

Governance is not a contest of ego, nor is politics meant to be a battlefield of bitterness. At its core, government exists to serve the people, and politics when practiced genuinely should be a tool for development, inclusion, and progress.

This is why Edo State, at this critical moment, must rally support for the developmental efforts of Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo.

Across the world, great leaders have acknowledged that opposition plays a vital role in democracy but only when it is constructive. As former United States President John F. Kennedy once noted, “The goal of education and governance is the advancement of society, not the destruction of those in power.” Opposition is meant to point out gaps, suggest better alternatives, and hold government accountable not to oppose blindly or turn governance into witchcraft by rejecting every good initiative simply because of political differences.

In Edo State today, the evidence of purposeful governance is visible. Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration is actively addressing long-standing infrastructural and social challenges. Roads are being constructed and rehabilitated, easing transportation, boosting commerce, and reconnecting communities that were previously cut off. Education; the backbone of any progressive society is receiving renewed attention through the renovation and rebuilding of dilapidated schools, including landmark institutions such as Oredo Girls Secondary School. 

These interventions are not cosmetic; they are deliberate investments in the future of Edo children.

Development is also being extended beyond urban centres. By taking infrastructure and social amenities to previously neglected rural communities, the government is addressing one of Edo State’s silent crises, rural-to-urban drift. When opportunities exist within local communities, young people are less compelled to migrate to cities in search of survival. As former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan rightly stated, “Development is about transforming lives, not just economies.” Edo State is witnessing that transformation firsthand.

Economic reforms under this administration are equally yielding positive results. Businessmen and women across the state are experiencing improved operating conditions, while the transportation sector often a reliable indicator of economic health is enjoying better days due the new policy direction. 

When businesses thrive, families thrive, and when families thrive, society becomes more stable.

Beyond infrastructure and economic reforms, the Okpebholo administration has made commendable strides in job creation. Governor Monday Okpebholo has undertaken massive recruitment of Edo indigenes into the Edo State Civil Service, prioritizing candidates with traceable addresses within the state. This deliberate policy not only boosts employment but also strengthens accountability and local ownership of governance. 

Furthermore, significant recruitment has been carried out in the health sector to reinforce Edo State’s healthcare system. Today, hospitals and health centres across various communities can boast of qualified healthcare providers, ensuring quicker response, improved service delivery, and immediate solutions to pressing health needs.

It is important to remember that governance is a collective project. No government succeeds in isolation. Philosopher Edmund Burke once warned that “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing.” In the same vein, stagnation occurs when citizens choose cynicism over engagement and perpetual opposition over objectivity.

The essence of governance is development, and the essence of genuine politics is ensuring that the state progresses beyond personal or party interests. Edo State cannot afford politics driven by resentment or endless antagonism. What it needs is unity of purpose, support where government is performing well and constructive criticism where improvement is required.

Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo’s administration has demonstrated a clear commitment to development. As citizens, stakeholders, and patriots of Edo State, our responsibility is to encourage what works, correct what does not, and collectively push the state forward.

Progress is not achieved by tearing down every effort; it is achieved by building on solid foundations. Edo State is on a developmental path and now is the time to support, strengthen, and sustain that journey.

Dr Wellington Osadolor OD MNOA

Writes from Oredo Ward 3

W.osadolor@yahoo.com