Election is gone; Edo State Embraces New Dawn, Sen. Monday Okpebholo's Vision for Prosperity

 *ChieftainElection is gone; Edo State Embraces New Dawn, Senator Monday Okpebholo's Vision for Prosperity*

By, Hon. Oyakhilome Bello

The people of Edo State have spoken by electing Sen. Monday Okpebholo as Governor-elect and Hon. Dennis Idahossa as Deputy Governor-elect. This unity marks a great moment for Edo State, demonstrating the power of collective decision-making.

 Now, it's time to put aside political differences and focus on governance, progressiveness, that will make Edo State  attractive to investors and tourists with good infrastructural development, agricultural development, sustainable economy, youth development,  educational development, and improving security.

Tourism: To make Edo State attractive to tourists, this will increase the level of employment in the state. Additionally, investing in tourism, resorts, and cultural centers, Edo State has a vast number of tourist attractions, such as Ogba Zoo, Nature Park (Benin City), Okomu National Park (Ugbo), The Benin Royal Palace, The Ogiamen House Built about 1130AD, The Gelegele Historical Port, Sokponba Resort, The Benin Moat, the largest man-made earthworks, and Igun Street (UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site), Emotan Statue, will showcase Edo State's rich heritage.

Infrastructural Development: Infrastructure development is crucial. This includes upgrading roads, airports, and seaports to facilitate easy transportation. Doing this will improve the level of transportation, ease of movements in the state. Infrastructural development is vital for Edo State's growth. This includes upgrading electricity supply, water distribution, and waste management systems. Investing in digital infrastructure, such as fiber optic networks and data centers, will also enhance connectivity and attract tech-savvy businesses. Doing this will decrease the level of unemployment in the state and create more job opportunities for the youths.

Agriculture and Sustainable Economy: Edo State's agricultural sector holds immense potential. Investing in irrigation systems, farm-to-market roads, and agricultural training programs will boost productivity. And providing the use of fertilizers for our rural farmers, this will help them increase the level of production of crops. Information technology can support better crop, fertilizer, and pesticide selection. It also improves land and water management, provides access to weather information, and connects farmers to sources of credit. A sustainable economy can be achieved through diversification, supporting small businesses, and promoting entrepreneurship. Doing this will enhance the IGR of the state. I believe the new administration will make a drastic change in this area once they resume office.

Youth Development and Educational Development: The notion of youth empowerment implies a deliberate commitment of government to involve the youth in the socio-economic and political development of the Nation. Empowering Edo State's youth is critical. This involves investing in education, vocational training, and mentorship programs. Improving educational infrastructure, including schools and libraries, will provide a solid foundation for future growth of Edo State youths. The most important part is getting teachers to those rural communities; this will help improve the level of education in rural communities. Prioritizing the welfare of the teachers in the state should be improved. I believe that Mr. Governor-elect will definitely look towards this issue.

Improving Security: Ensuring the safety and security of Edo State's citizens is paramount. This can be achieved through community policing initiatives, upgrading emergency response systems, and addressing social and economic factors contributing to crime.

Sen. Monday Okpebholo needs everyone's support to achieve these collective goals, ensuring a prosperous Edo State for all.

- Hon. Oyakhilome Bello APC