The Okpebholo one-year anniversary highlights Edo State’s progress, governance achievements, and ongoing challenges amid political debates between APC and PDP.
Edo State recently celebrated the Governor Monday Okpebholo one-year anniversary, a milestone that has triggered discussions about governance, development, and political performance across the state.
While the APC-led government showcased infrastructural projects, social programs, and other achievements, the PDP opposition criticized the administration for alleged mismanagement, describing the year as marked by lost opportunities and governance failures.
During a press briefing, the Edo State PDP described the past twelve months under Governor Okpebholo as a period of “drift, decline, and deceit.”
According to the opposition, the state has faced fiscal recklessness, economic stagnation, and a breakdown of institutional order.
Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, chairman of the Edo PDP, said, “While other states are expanding growth and implementing reforms, Edo has returned to an era characterized by ignorance, propaganda, and prebendal politics.”
A major criticism from the PDP concerns land administration. The party accused the government of dismantling EdoGIS, a system previously designed to ensure transparency in land transactions.
“For nearly a year, no Certificates of Occupancy have been signed, leaving investors stranded and property owners in uncertainty.
“Under the previous administration, 1,000 Certificates were issued monthly. Today, only 25 have been signed in the last 365 days,” Aziegbemi said.
The PDP argued that the Okpebholo one-year anniversary reflects a year of missed opportunities, policy paralysis, and weakened institutional structures.
“The state has witnessed stagnation in critical sectors and increased land disputes, creating uncertainty for both investors and residents,” Aziegbemi added.
In contrast, the Edo State government defended its record, labeling PDP claims as misleading and politically motivated.
Prince Kassim Afegbua, State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, described the opposition as “a party entrenched in propaganda, more focused on rhetoric than delivering governance.”
He highlighted that the Okpebholo one-year anniversary represents tangible progress in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
“From flyovers to road networks, from school renovations to primary healthcare projects, Edo State is visibly transforming,” Afegbua said.
“Unlike the PDP, which thrives on criticism without solutions, we are implementing programs that directly impact residents’ lives and promote sustainable development.”
Infrastructure has been a centerpiece of Governor Okpebholo’s administration. Major roads have been repaired, flyovers constructed, and rural connectivity improved.
Public schools are undergoing renovations, and healthcare centers have been upgraded to provide better access and services to communities across Edo State.
These efforts, according to the government, demonstrate that the Okpebholo one-year anniversary is not just a milestone but a marker of active development.
Economic performance remains a point of contention. While the PDP argues that slow land administration has hampered private sector growth, the APC maintains that current policies are creating long-term stability and attracting investment.
“Every project we deliver ensures value for money and strengthens Edo’s economic base. We are not just celebrating an anniversary; we are building a state ready for growth,” Afegbua noted.
Public reaction to the Okpebholo one-year anniversary has been mixed. Residents have acknowledged improvements in roads, schools, and healthcare, while some remain concerned about bureaucratic inefficiencies and delayed economic reforms.
Analysts suggest that the anniversary offers a platform for both the ruling party and the opposition to shape public narratives about governance and development in Edo State.
The anniversary also highlights the ongoing political dynamics in the state. While the APC celebrates developmental projects and tangible results, the PDP emphasizes perceived failures and administrative gaps.
This dual narrative illustrates the polarized political environment in Edo, where public perception often hinges on visible achievements versus policy shortcomings.
Looking ahead, the Okpebholo one-year anniversary serves as both a reflection on past performance and a roadmap for the future.
Challenges such as land administration, economic diversification, and institutional strengthening remain on the agenda.
However, the APC government remains committed to infrastructural expansion, social welfare programs, and creating an environment conducive to investment and growth.
The Okpebholo one-year anniversary underscores the contrasting narratives of governance in Edo State.
For the APC-led administration, it is a year of achievements, visible development, and policy implementation. For the PDP, it highlights governance challenges and areas for improvement.
Regardless of political perspective, the anniversary has sparked critical dialogue about the state’s direction, accountability, and sustainable growth, making it a key milestone in Edo State’s contemporary political and developmental journey.
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