Edo First Lady’s Office Commends Governor Okpebholo’s Pragmatic Leadership

By Adesuwa Ehimuan

The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Anani, has lauded Governor Monday Okpebholo for his pragmatic and proactive approach to governance, describing him as a leader deeply committed to the welfare of the people.

Mrs. Anani made the commendation during a stakeholders’ sensitisation workshop organised by the Ministry of Information and Communication on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.

The event theme, “Advancing Edo Together: The People’s View of Governor Okpebholo’s Achievements,” sought to foster open dialogue between the government and the citizenry, while assessing the Governor’s strides in governance.

According to Mrs. Anani, Governor Okpebholo’s leadership reflects a genuine desire to uplift Edo State. She said the Governor is a practical leader who is determined to bring the dividends of democracy to the people. She added that Edo State has lagged behind for too long and that the Governor is committed to ensuring the state competes favourably with others across Nigeria.

Mrs. Anani further noted that the Governor’s consistent attention to women’s welfare has been exemplary. She said he regularly calls to enquire about the wellbeing of Edo women, going beyond empowerment initiatives to address individual needs.

She explained that every request from her office has been attended to, with plans underway to address over 700 of more than 1,000 requests currently on her desk — ranging from hospital bill payments to business start-ups for women. She remarked that, “Neglect a woman, you lose an election,” stressing that Governor Okpebholo is a Governor for all, not for one person or one party.

Governor Okpebholo’s administration has been widely praised for its commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness, with visible interventions in key sectors aimed at improving the lives of Edo residents.

The workshop featured a panel session moderated by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, with contributions from Professor Felix Oriakhi of the Department of Political Science, Federal University Otuoke; Engr. John Obanor, Functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works; Mr. Sunday Osayande, Functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security; Chief Lucky Agazuma, Director General, Edo State Migration Agency; and Mr. Sulaiman Aledeh, Managing Director, Edo Broadcasting Service.

Also in attendance, Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and other relevant stakeholders.