Legal practitioner and public commentator, Douglas Ogbankwa Esq, has highlighted what he described as key areas of focus of the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration in Edo State, including security, infrastructure, agriculture, youth development and economic growth.
Ogbankwa made the observations in an opinion article titled “Edo State Governor-Senator Monday Okpebholo: Practical Governance in Action,” in which he reflected on the administration’s approach to governance and its stated development priorities.
According to the legal practitioner, the administration assumed office at a significant point in Edo State’s development and has focused attention on issues including security, infrastructure, healthcare, education, food sufficiency and economic development.
A major part of Ogbankwa’s assessment centred on security. He highlighted the administration’s efforts to strengthen the operational capacity of security agencies through the provision of vehicles, motorcycles and other logistics.
Reports from the Edo State Government and media outlets have previously documented the deployment of security equipment and the administration’s efforts to combat cultism and kidnapping. The state government has also established security operations targeting criminal activities.
Ogbankwa also referenced the state’s legislative response to cultism, noting the repeal of the previous Edo State Secret Cult (Prohibition) Law, 2018, and the enactment of a revised law in 2025. The Edo State Government has similarly publicised the 2025 law as part of its anti cultism strategy.
On infrastructure, Ogbankwa cited road construction and major projects in different parts of the state, including the Ramat Park Flyover in Benin City.
The Edo State Government reported in February 2026 that the Ramat Park Flyover had reached about 90 per cent completion at the time of an inspection by Governor Okpebholo.
The writer further called attention to agriculture as an important component of Edo’s economic future, arguing that government and the private sector should create opportunities that enable young people to build sustainable livelihoods within the state.
He also pointed to Edo’s creative industry and cultural assets, including film, music, art and cultural festivals, as areas with potential for youth empowerment and economic development.
Ogbankwa further advocated stronger engagement with the Edo diaspora, arguing that Edo indigenes living outside the state and abroad could contribute expertise, investment, business networks and other resources to the state’s development.
While acknowledging that governance should ultimately be measured by its impact on citizens, the writer argued that development efforts should translate into improved livelihoods, better infrastructure, enhanced security and greater economic opportunities.
He concluded by calling on Edo residents, regardless of political affiliation, to participate constructively in the development of the state.
According to Ogbankwa, political differences should not prevent citizens from working collectively toward a safer, more prosperous and economically vibrant Edo State.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
