Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has signed the 2025 Appropriation Bill, amounting to N675 billion and tagged the “Budget of Renewed Hope for a Rising Edo,” into law. The bill was passed by the Edo State House of Assembly and is expected to revive the state’s economy and deliver the dividends of democracy to its people.
During the signing ceremony at the Government House in Benin City, Governor Okpebholo emphasized the budget’s focus on capital expenditure, reflecting the administration’s commitment to embarking on massive capital projects in the new fiscal year. “I have just signed into law a budget of N675,220,058,858.52, tagged a Renewed Hope Budget for a Rising Edo. It is hoped that the 2025 approved budget will revive the economy of Edo State and deliver the dividends of democracy to the good people of the state,” he stated.
The governor commended the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, and other members of the Assembly for their speedy consideration of the budget. Rt. Hon. Agbebaku noted that the budget was significantly increased from the initial sum of N605 billion to ensure more funds were allocated to the agricultural sector.
In a related development, Governor Okpebholo extended his Christmas greetings to all Christians on behalf of the government and people of Edo State. In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor urged Christian faithful to use the festive period for sober reflection, spiritual renewal, and devotion towards living in peace and harmony with adherents of other religions.
“We must continue to extend the hands of love and fellowship to our neighbours and live as one big family, irrespective of our social, political, and religious leanings, and continue to trust God for a better tomorrow, a more prosperous Edo State, and a greater country, Nigeria,” Governor Okpebholo said.
He emphasized the importance of showing love and respect for one another, stating that no religion encourages violence or preaches evil against humanity. “If Christians love one another as Christ taught, the issues of communal and religious clashes, armed robbery, kidnapping, militancy, armed banditry, terrorism, and other vices will not arise,” he added.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making life easier for the people of Edo State and putting smiles on the faces of residents. “We will not disappoint you. We will continue to work hard to make Edo State a happy home for all,” he concluded.
