Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has announced the approval of a large-scale youth recruitment initiative into the State Civil Service, aimed at reducing unemployment and accelerating development across the state.
The governor made this announcement while addressing a crowd at the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, ahead of the Edo Central Senatorial By-election scheduled for August 16, 2025.
Governor Okpebholo underscored his commitment to grassroots development and expressed a deep personal connection to the region.
“If I do not develop my home, no one else will develop it,” he said.
In addition to the job creation effort, the governor revealed ongoing projects in Edo Central, including the construction of a modern market in Irrua, the dualization of the Ekpoma–Ubiaja road, and the extension of a 33kV power line to improve electricity supply in the area.
He also referenced his short but impactful stint in the Senate, during which he helped facilitate the reconstruction of the Benin–Auchi–Okene road, a major project supported by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Governor Okpebholo called on the people of Edo to rally behind President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, describing him as:
“A leader who loves Edo State.”
As part of immediate education infrastructure upgrades, he directed the Commissioner for Education to begin the renovation of Eguare-Ugbegun Primary School in Ward 10.
Reflecting on past electoral victories, the governor thanked the people of Irrua for their unwavering support and resistance to electoral manipulation:
“My coming here is just to thank you and tell you that I am ready to serve and work for our people. You resisted rigging, and we won very well.”
During the rally, Okpebholo disclosed that he had instructed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Musa Ikhilor, to initiate the civil service recruitment process.
“We are going to massively employ our young people. Creating employment for our youths is the best thing we can do for them,” he affirmed.
The rally was attended by several high-ranking APC members, including the SSG, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., Edo Central Senatorial Leader General Cecil Isekhaigbe (rtd.), APC State Deputy Chairman Sylvester Aigboboh, and the APC senatorial candidate, Hon. Joseph Ikpea.
