Stakeholders Laud Gov Okpebholo’s Project ‘SHINE’ Agenda

…As New Edo line to be commissioned soon

By Simeon OSAJIE

Stakeholders in Edo State are excited about the Project “SHINE” Five Point Agenda of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s led administration for delivering dividends of democracy within six months to the people.

The excited participants commended the transparency and accountability displayed so far by the administration which has constructed roads, provided health care, built schools, bought tractors for Agriculture and vehicles for security and others.

The various speakers also noted the healthy collaboration between the Federal and State government during a Stakeholders Sensitization Workshop, with the theme, “Exposing the Programmes and Projects of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Administration” held in Benin City.

A Civil Rights Activist, Prof. Felix Orhiakhi of the Department of Political Science, Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, said Edo people are happy with what the government is doing and anybody that want the transformation of the state should support the Governor.

“We are seeing what the government is doing and the projects, like the on going fly over bridge and others are confirmed. We commend the Governor for taking the bull by the horn for fixing Federal roads, which the previous administration abandoned.”

According to him, “no responsible government should give any excuse not to fix roads used by the people.

” /The government is to work for the greater number and that is what Governor Okpebholo is doing with the implementation of the SHINE agenda.”

In his welcome address, the host of the Stakeholders Sensitization workshop, Edo State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu disclosed that the essence of governance is to transform society.

“Despite being in office barely six months, Governor Okpebholo has initiated substantial reforms aimed at improving the lives of Edo people.

“While highlighting the Governor’s ‘SHINE’ Agenda focus on Security, Health, Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Food Sufficiency and Education as a framework that is already shaping governance in the state, Hon. Ohonbamu stressed on the need for collaboration of all stakeholders for the administration to succeed.

In a key note address, Governor Monday Okpebholo reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to reposition Edo State.

The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Engr. Emmanuel Okoebor said, “the achievements of the administration have been made possible because of the overwhelming support of the people, adding that the vision of the Governor is to alleviate hardship through implementation of the ‘SHINE’ agenda.

“We recognize governance is a social contract and the role of stakeholders is very important. The State Government has purchased buses for the New Edo Line awaiting commissioning soon.”

The Stakeholders Sensitization Workshop was a dialogue amongst participants which include Civil Society Organizations, the Clergy, pupils from various schools, Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Armed Forces and Security agencies and government functionaries from different Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDA’s.