Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has promised to improve residents’ living conditions by providing adequate security.
In his Independence Day message marking the country’s 66th anniversary, Governor Okpebholo said his administration would not relent in protecting lives and property.
The Edo Governor said security remained his first responsibility, noting that farming, trade, investment and other economic activities depend on peace.
He said his administration has worked hard to make the state safer.
Governor Okpebholo said he is rebuilding roads, upgrading schools and hospitals, and creating opportunities for youths.
His words: ‘My administration will continue to work with all security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and key partners, given their closeness to the people and their knowledge of local terrain.
‘The safety of every Edo citizen, in the city and in the village, remains my first duty.
‘Edo State is not a safe place for criminals.’
Governor Okpebholo said his administration was pursuing improvements in healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and education under the SHINE Agenda.
He cited the reopening of several hospitals across the state that had been shut for years, some for close to two decades, and the enrolment of more than 600,000 residents in the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme (EDOHIC).
The governor noted that salaries were being paid regularly and that Edo remained one of the few states implementing the ?75,000 minimum wage.
‘There is still much to do. The gains so far were a foundation to build on, not a finished job; government exists to serve you.
‘We are grateful to the President and Commander-in-Chief, our father, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his efforts to reposition Nigeria for greatness. His Renewed Hope Agenda is but a necessary decision for a national revival, and it is already moving our nation towards economic stability and growth.’