Edo Governor Okpebholo Unveils ₦939.85 Billion ‘Budget Of Hope’ To Transform The State

On Tuesday, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, presented the ₦939.85 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill, tagged the “Budget of Hope and Growth,” to the Edo State House of Assembly. The presentation took place during a plenary session presided over by Speaker Blessing Agbebaku.

While unveiling the estimates, Governor Okpebholo commended the Speaker and members of the House for their cooperation and support, which he said ensured the successful execution of the 2025 budget. He noted that the previous year’s fiscal outcomes translated into tangible benefits for Edo residents.

The governor highlighted strong performance in both capital and recurrent expenditure in 2025, while Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) improved significantly due to enhanced revenue collection systems and plugging of leakages. A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebojele Akhere Patrick, indicated that these achievements shaped the priorities for the 2026 budget.

Security: Okpebholo emphasized that his administration is committed to ensuring Edo State is no longer a haven for criminal activities. He recalled that prior to his tenure, the state experienced rampant cult killings, kidnappings, robberies, and cybercrime, recording over 300 cult-related deaths in 2024 alone.

To combat insecurity, the government enacted a stronger anti-cultism law, deployed 80 Hilux patrol vans and 400 motorcycles to security agencies, and recruited and trained 2,500 officers for the Edo State Security Corps, leading to a significant reduction in crime across the state.

Health: The governor outlined ongoing reforms to rebuild Edo’s collapsed healthcare system, including constructing new Primary Health Centres, supplying diagnostic equipment, and building a 150-bed Specialist Hospital in Edo Central.

Infrastructure: Okpebholo announced 28 new road projects covering 255 kilometres, including Edo State’s first-ever flyovers at Ramat Park and Sapele Road by Adesuwa Junction in Benin City. Several community roads are also under construction to improve connectivity.

Agriculture: The governor revealed that the agriculture budget was increased from ₦6.9 billion to ₦57 billion, following encouragement from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Over 400 hectares of farmland have been cultivated, with harvesting underway to tackle food insecurity.

Education: Okpebholo said the administration recruited 5,000 permanent teachers and upgraded 63 schools, with more ongoing. Subventions to tertiary institutions were sharply increased, including Ambrose Alli University (from ₦41m to ₦500m) and Edo State University, Iyamoh (from ₦25m to ₦250m).

Economic Growth & Job Creation: The governor noted that the state inherited domestic and foreign debts but has begun gradually reducing the burden. Over 10,000 jobs have been created, alongside a ₦1 billion interest-free loan scheme for market women and traders.

Governance & Institutional Reforms: Public trust has been strengthened through the swearing-in of three previously sidelined judges, re-establishment of customary courts, and empowerment of traditional institutions.

Budget Breakdown & Funding: The ₦939.85 billion 2026 budget allocates ₦637 billion (68%) to capital expenditure and ₦302 billion (32%) to recurrent expenditure. Funding will come from projected IGR of ₦160 billion, FAAC allocations of ₦480 billion, capital receipts and grants of ₦153 billion, Public-Private Partnerships worth ₦146 billion, and other sources. Sectoral allocations include ₦614.2 billion for the economic sector, ₦148.9 billion for social development, ₦157.7 billion for administration, and ₦19 billion for justice, with provisions for local governments and regional development.

SHINE Agenda Focus: The 2026 Budget of Hope and Growth is anchored on Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda – Security, Health, Infrastructure, Natural Resources/Agriculture, and Education – aimed at delivering people-centered development across Edo State.

The plenary session was attended by Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Government Umar Musa Ikhilor; former deputy governors and SSGs; members of the State Executive Council; traditional rulers; civil society representatives; and journalists.

Governor Okpebholo expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for revenue-boosting reforms and thanked the Edo State House of Assembly, traditional and religious leaders, political appointees, and civil servants. He then formally submitted the ₦939.85 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill for the House’s consideration and approval.