Obaseki Left ₦180 Billion Debt to Local Contractors, Laments Okpebholo
Edo State Governor,Monday Okpebholo has claimed that his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, left office on November 12, 2024, with approximately ₦180 billion owed specifically to local contractors.
Governor Okpebholo made the disclosure on Tuesday during the celebration of his administration’s first year in office, themed: “365 Days: Rebuilding a New Edo. Celebrating One Year of Practical Governance.”
The Governor highlighted that the total debt profile inherited from the previous administration amounted to over ₦600 billion in local and foreign debts, with the ₦180 billion contractor debt forming a significant part of the liability.
Okpebholo stated that his government has begun the process of paying off the debt, but noted that there was an apparent lack of transparency in the process of securing the loans initially. He painted a picture of inheriting a state “weighed down by rot, debt, insecurity, and distrust,” but asserted that through focus, prayer, and teamwork, his administration has begun laying a solid foundation for growth.
Addressing the issue of security, Governor Okpebholo stated that when his administration took office, the state “resembled a war zone,” plagued by cult killings, kidnapping, armed robbery, and cybercrime.
He revealed a staggering statistic, saying: “In 2024 alone, we recorded over 300 cult-related killings.”
In response, his administration claimed to have acted decisively by strengthening the weak anti-cultism law and passing a stronger one.
Security measures include:
* Supplying 60 vans and 40 motorcycles to security agencies.
* Recruiting and training 2,500 officers into the Edo State Security Corps.
The Governor opined that these measures have drastically reduced cult-related killings, concluding: “Edo will no longer be a safe haven for criminals.”
While detailing his one-year achievements, Governor Okpebholo said his administration inherited a collapsed healthcare system.
To address this, his government has:
* Commenced the construction of new primary healthcare centres across the 18 local government areas.
* Provided diagnostic machines.
* Begun building a new hospital with over 150 bed spaces.
On infrastructure, he disclosed that his administration has awarded contracts for over 28 new roads totaling more than 250 kilometers, in addition to constructing two new flyovers at Ramat Park and Adesuwa Junction along Sapele Road in Benin City.
Furthermore, the administration claims to have created over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, launched a ₦1 billion interest-free loan scheme for small-scale traders, and established a ₦1 billion scholarship fund for indigent students.
The Governor concluded by commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and support.
