A Budget of Hope and Progress: Steering Edo State Towards Prosperity

 

The 2025 budget presentation by the new Governor of Edo State has sparked public discourse, though for all the wrong reasons. While critics have fixated on a fleeting moment during the governor’s speech delivery, they fail to recognize the transformative and forward-thinking policies embedded in the budget itself. In reality, this budget represents a bold and strategic effort to rebuild Edo State after eight years of stagnation and neglect under the previous administration of Godwin Obaseki.

This moment should not be reduced to superficial commentary but celebrated as the beginning of a new era—one rooted in action, accountability, and a commitment to the people of Edo State. The governor’s focus is not on theatrics or oratory; it is on delivering real results that will chart a new course for growth and development.

The 2025 budget, titled “Edo Rising: Rebuilding for a Prosperous Future,” reflects the governor’s vision to reinvigorate the state’s economy, infrastructure, and governance. Coming into office after years of underperformance and systemic decay, the governor faces significant challenges. Yet, his budget outlines clear, actionable plans to address these issues with courage and determination.

Key highlights of the budget include:

• Massive Infrastructure Investments: The new administration has prioritized the rehabilitation of decayed infrastructure, with a significant allocation for roads, bridges, and urban renewal projects. This is a marked departure from the previous administration, which largely neglected critical infrastructure.

• Boosting Internally Generated Revenue (IGR): Recognizing the over-reliance on federal allocations, the governor’s budget introduces innovative revenue collection reforms, including digitizing tax systems and expanding the tax base to the informal sector.

• Job Creation and Youth Empowerment: With unemployment hovering at 20%, the budget allocates substantial resources to youth training programs, vocational education, and entrepreneurship initiatives, targeting the creation of 200,000 jobs in 2025 alone.

• Agricultural Transformation: Leveraging Edo’s fertile land, the budget introduces plans to establish agro-industrial parks in each geopolitical zone, creating jobs, ensuring food security, and positioning the state as an agricultural hub.

The previous administration’s eight years in office left Edo State struggling under the weight of systemic failures. Key sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure suffered from chronic underinvestment, while governance was plagued by inefficiency and waste. The state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) stagnated, leaving it heavily reliant on federal allocations.

One glaring example of neglect is the state’s infrastructure. Roads across urban and rural areas fell into disrepair, hampering trade and movement. Healthcare facilities remained under-equipped and underfunded, while schools across the state struggled with inadequate resources.

The new governor’s administration has inherited these challenges, but the 2025 budget clearly signals a break from the past. It is a blueprint for recovery and progress, laying the groundwork for a better future.

While critics dwell on the governor’s brief speech difficulties, the people of Edo State are more interested in the tangible benefits of his administration’s policies. Leadership is not about flawless oratory but about action and results. The governor’s focus has been clear: addressing the pressing issues facing Edo State and setting the state on a path to growth.

In just a short time in office, the governor has demonstrated his commitment to this mission:

• Launching an Anti-Corruption Drive: The administration has already begun audits to eliminate ghost workers and reduce financial leakages in government.

• Emergency Infrastructure Repairs: Immediate action has been taken to rehabilitate critical roads and restore public utilities in neglected communities.

• Stakeholder Engagement: The governor has prioritized consultations with community leaders, businesses, and civil society to ensure that policies align with the needs of the people.

These actions underscore a leadership style that prioritizes substance over style—a refreshing change for a state that has suffered from years of neglect.

The 2025 budget also emphasizes transparency and accountability. A new Economic Transformation Delivery Unit has been established within the Governor’s Office to monitor the implementation of budget projects and ensure that funds are used efficiently. This approach is designed to rebuild public trust in governance after years of mismanagement.

Additionally, the governor has pledged to provide quarterly updates on the progress of major projects. This level of accountability signals a commitment to open and honest governance—something that was sorely lacking in the previous administration.

Edo State stands at a crossroads. The 2025 budget marks a pivotal moment, offering a chance to leave behind a legacy of neglect and embrace a future of opportunity. However, this future will only be realized if citizens focus on the substance of governance rather than fleeting moments of imperfection.

Critics and the media have an important role to play in shaping public discourse. Rather than amplifying trivialities, they must shine a spotlight on the policies and initiatives that will define the lives of Edo’s citizens for years to come. The governor’s vision for economic transformation, job creation, and improved governance deserves thoughtful analysis and constructive engagement.

The 2025 budget is more than a policy document; it is a declaration of intent—a promise to the people of Edo State that their welfare and prosperity will be the administration’s top priority. While the presentation may have been imperfect, the message is clear: Edo is on the rise.

As citizens and stakeholders, we must support efforts to rebuild and transform the state. Let us judge the governor not by his delivery but by his determination, not by his words but by his actions. Together, we can ensure that Edo State realizes its vast potential and becomes a model for progress and development.