2025 Budget Presentation: Focus More On How Okpebholo’s Financial Plans Will Estimate Progress, Advancement – Group Urges Edo People
By Simeon OSAJIE
A group, “Edo Renewed Hope”, (ERH) has said Edo people should be more focused on how Governor Monday Okpebholo’s financial plans would stimulate progress and advancement in their state instead of brutal backlash that trailed during the 2025 Appropriation Bill presentation to the state House of Assembly on Tuesday when he struggled with the budget figures.
The group, which described the condemnation as unnecessary and an exaggeration, noted that those making a “mountain from a mole hill” over the slip, were those still licking their bruises from the outcome of the September 21, 2024, state governorship election”.
In its statement titled “Avoid Blowing Issues out of Proportion”, the group noted that Governor Okpebholo had kept faith with his electoral promises right from the first day he assumed the number one seat in the state, adding that renewed hope has berth in Edo State.
The ERH, through Raphael M. Okoh and Imade Osagie, Coordinator and Secretary respectively insisted that a minor difficulty or slip by the governor didn’t diminish capability, dedication and focus to immediately put Edo State back on the path of development and progress.
According to Okoh, “Our attention has been drawn to the unnecessary criticisms following Governor Monday Okpebholo’s presentation of the Edo State 2025 Budget Proposal at the Edo State House of Assembly.
“It is regrettable that some individuals have chosen to exaggerate a minor verbal slip during the governor’s address rather than focus on the essence of the proposed financial plan.
“Governor Okpebholo, in keeping with his dedication to openness and responsibility, presented a detailed budget exceeding N605billion, designed to tackle the developmental priorities of Edo State.
“The emphasis of this financial plan is on enhancing public amenities, education, healthcare, and the general well-being of residents. It is a blueprint that reflects the hopes of the people and provides a clear direction for advancement.
“It is crucial to recognise that speaking in public, particularly under the intense conditions of a budget presentation, can pose challenges for anyone.
“A brief difficulty with articulating figures does not diminish the governor’s capability or his profound grasp of the budget’s purpose and goals. True leadership is not measured by perfect speeches but by the ability to achieve meaningful outcomes.
“We appeal to the citizens of Edo State to rise above such trivial distractions and concentrate on the core issues – how this financial plan will stimulate progress and advancement in our state.
“Governor Okpebholo’s government remains unwavering in its resolve to deliver the benefits of good governance to every resident of Edo State.
“Let us not permit critics to divert attention from what truly matters: the initiatives and strategies that will drive Edo State’s transformation.
“We stand firmly with the governor as he continues to offer visionary leadership for the upliftment of our people”.
