Edo Assembly Clears ₦939bn 2026 Budget as Okpebholo Assents

A new financial roadmap has been formally activated in Edo State, as Governor Monday Okpebholo signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill of ₦939 billion into law.

The budget, tagged the “Budget of Hope and Growth,” was approved by the Edo State House of Assembly before receiving final assent at the Government House in Benin City.

Officials say the plan is designed to strengthen key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and public services.

Governor Okpebholo described the process leading to the passage as efficient and collaborative.

He praised lawmakers for what he called a “swift and proactive” review of the fiscal proposal.

According to him, the budget is expected to accelerate development across the state.

“This budget of Hope and Growth will move Edo State to a greater height,” the governor said during the signing ceremony.

Lawmakers Highlight Infrastructure and Agriculture

The Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku, led members of the Assembly to the event.

He commended the administration for what he described as visible development efforts across Edo State.

Agbebaku said the budget prioritises agriculture and infrastructure, two sectors he described as vital to citizens’ welfare.

“Food and infrastructure are critical for the well-being of the people,” he said.

He added that ongoing and planned projects reflect a historic push for development.

Among them, he pointed to flyover constructions as landmark achievements under the current administration.

“These are projects that will define this government in history,” he noted.

Focus on Development and Public Welfare

Lawmakers also expressed confidence in the implementation of the budget.

They said the previous year’s allocations were used judiciously, according to their assessment.

The Speaker stated that Edo citizens were already benefiting from ongoing projects and reforms.

He further added that expectations for full execution in 2026 were high.

“This administration is hungry to develop Edo State,” he said.

2026 Budget Framed Around Growth

The ₦939 billion plan comes amid broader efforts by state governments in Nigeria to expand infrastructure and stimulate economic activity.

Edo State has in recent years focused on road construction, urban renewal, and agricultural expansion as part of its development strategy.

Analysts say such budgets are crucial for addressing unemployment and improving food security, particularly in states with growing urban populations.

With the 2026 budget now signed into law, attention turns to implementation.

The key test will be whether planned infrastructure and agricultural investments translate into measurable improvements in living standards.

Residents will also be watching how quickly flagship projects move from paper to physical completion.

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government through the National Management Agency to provide relief materials to the Ekeke and Amoya-Otuo communities in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, which were recently displaced by flooding.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the House Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, on Wednesday during plenary.

Drumming support for the motion, Prof Ihonvbere said, “The House noted with concern the unprecedented flooding disaster that affected Ekeke-Erah, and massive windstorm that affected Ake, Amoya-Otuo other communities in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, resulting in widespread destruction of homes, infrastructure including a bridge in Ekeke, farmlands, and livelihoods.

“The House notes that the affected communities have been plunged into total darkness as a result of the flood that pulled down electric poles and damaged solar streetlights

He commended the Edo State Government, the Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly and the Local Government in responding to the disaster, stressing, however, “that the magnitude of the disaster requires additional support from the Federal Government.”

The motion enjoyed overwhelming support from lawmakers present at Wednesday’s plenary and was subsequently adopted.

 Exactly 37 days after he was suspended, the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, recalled the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie.

A letter to Osagie by the Secretary to State Government, Umar Ikhilor, marked SGA. 15/NOL.XV111/215 and dated March 12, 2025, released around 8:15pm, read that he was recalled after he was exonerated of financial wrongdoing.

The statement read in part, “Having considered the report of the Investigative Panel set up by Government to investigate allegations of financial infractions reported against you, which has exonerated you from the said allegations, I write to convey the directive of the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo that you resume duties as the State Hon.Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice with effect from 12th March, 2025.”

Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, on Friday has urged the citizens of the state to take advantage of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund to pursue higher education irrespective of their background.

He described the policy as noble and said President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated not only his passion to see the youths succeeds, but that parents financial status should determine the dream of the students.

In a statement on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Friday Aghedo, Idahosa made the remarks when he played host to the Managing Director and other management staff of the NELFUND in Benin on Thursday.

Idahosa said Edo State government would collaborate with relevant agencies to drive the process in mobilizing and sensitizing all students who are bonafide indigenes of the state and qualified for the loan to embrace the concept to realize their dreams of pursuing their educational ambition to the highest levels.

Four members of the Edo State House of Assembly have defected to the All Progressives Congress.

The lawmakers — Hon. Donald Okugbe (Akoko Edo Constituency II), Hon. Bright Iyamu (Orhionmwon South Constituency II), Hon. Richard Edosa (Oredo West Constituency), and Hon. Sunday Ojezele (Esan South East) — stormed the APC Secretariat in Benin on Wednesday, where they were received by the APC State Working Committee, led by the acting state chairman, Jarret Tenebe.

With this development, the APC now has 13 members in the House, while the Peoples Democratic Party has 11. The Labour Party lost its only representative to the APC.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Edosa described the move as a defining moment for them.

Four Edo lawmakers defect to APC

12th March 2025

Edo-Assembly

Edo House of Assembly

By 

Adeyinka Adedipe

Four members of the Edo State House of Assembly have defected to the All Progressives Congress.

The lawmakers — Hon. Donald Okugbe (Akoko Edo Constituency II), Hon. Bright Iyamu (Orhionmwon South Constituency II), Hon. Richard Edosa (Oredo West Constituency), and Hon. Sunday Ojezele (Esan South East) — stormed the APC Secretariat in Benin on Wednesday, where they were received by the APC State Working Committee, led by the acting state chairman, Jarret Tenebe.

With this development, the APC now has 13 members in the House, while the Peoples Democratic Party has 11. The Labour Party lost its only representative to the APC.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Edosa described the move as a defining moment for them.

He stated that divisions within their former parties, from the national level down to the state and local governments, prompted their decision to leave.

He said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand. We believe in the vision of Governor Monday Okpebholo and have decided to join him in achieving his goals for Edo State. We promise to work with the governor

to build both the party and the state.”

Also speaking, Tenebe described the lawmakers’ defection as a significant moment for the ruling APC in Edo.

He assured them that the party would grant them the same rights and privileges as other members.

He said, “These Honourable Members, who bring with them a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives, have recognised that the APC offers the most promising path forward for Edo State and Nigeria. They have seen the clarity of the party’s policies, the integrity of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s leadership, and his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of Edo people.

“We understand that changing political allegiance is not a decision taken lightly. It requires courage, conviction, and a belief in a better future. We commend these Honourable Members for their bravery and willingness to stand with us as we join hands with Governor Okpebholo to build a stronger economy, improve education, promote social harmony, and secure the lives of Edo residents.

“This is not merely about increasing our numbers but about strengthening our collective resolve. It is about uniting individuals who share a common purpose and a desire to make a real difference. We value the contributions of every member, and we are confident that our new Honourable Members will play a vital role in our journey towards success.”

Earlier, the acting APC chairman, Jarret Tenebe, presented brooms — the party’s symbol — to each of the new APC lawmakers.