Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday presented a ₦939.85 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill, tagged the *Budget of Hope and Growth*, to the Edo State House of Assembly.

The budget was laid before the lawmakers at a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku.

Presenting the estimates, Governor Okpebholo commended the Speaker and members of the Assembly for their cooperation, noting that their support ensured the effective implementation of the 2025 Budget, with tangible benefits recorded across the state.

The governor said the 2025 fiscal year witnessed strong performance in both capital and recurrent expenditure, alongside significant improvement in Internally Generated Revenue following the blocking of leakages and strengthened revenue collection mechanisms. He explained that the gains recorded in his first year in office shaped the priorities of the 2026 fiscal plan.

On security, Okpebholo said his administration remains determined to ensure that Edo State is no longer a safe haven for criminals. He recalled that before he assumed office, cult killings, kidnapping, robbery and cybercrime were widespread, with more than 300 cult-related deaths recorded in 2024. 

According to him, the passage of a stronger anti-cultism law, deployment of 80 Hilux patrol vehicles and 400 motorcycles, and the recruitment and training of 2,500 officers into the Edo State Security Corps have significantly reduced insecurity.

In the health sector, the governor said his administration is rebuilding a previously collapsed system through the construction of new Primary Health Centres, provision of diagnostic equipment, and the ongoing construction of a 150-bed Specialist Hospital in Edo Central.

On infrastructure development, Okpebholo disclosed that 28 new road projects covering 255 kilometres have been awarded, including two flyovers at Ramat Park and Sapele Road by Adesuwa Junction in Benin City, described as the first in the history of the state. He added that several community roads are also under construction to improve connectivity.

The governor said agriculture has received renewed attention, with the sector’s budget increasing from ₦6.9 billion to ₦57 billion, following encouragement from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He noted that over 400 hectares of farmland have been cultivated, with harvesting already underway across farm clusters to address food insecurity.

In education, Okpebholo said 5,000 permanent teachers have been recruited, while 63 schools have been upgraded to modern standards. He also announced a sharp increase in subventions to tertiary institutions, raising Ambrose Alli University’s monthly allocation from ₦41 million to ₦500 million and Edo State University, Iyamoh, from ₦25 million to ₦250 million.

On economic growth, the governor said the administration inherited both foreign and domestic debts but has begun a gradual process of debt reduction. He disclosed that over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs have been created, alongside the introduction of a ₦1 billion interest-free loan scheme for market women and traders.

Addressing governance and institutional reforms, Okpebholo said public trust has been strengthened through the swearing-in of three previously sidelined judges, the re-establishment of customary courts, and the revitalisation of traditional institutions.

He explained that the 2026 budget allocates ₦637 billion, representing 68 per cent, to capital expenditure, while ₦302 billion, or 32 per cent, is earmarked for recurrent spending. Funding sources include ₦160 billion in Internally Generated Revenue, ₦480 billion from FAAC allocations, ₦153 billion in capital receipts and grants, ₦146 billion through Public-Private Partnerships, and other revenue streams.

Sectoral allocations show that the economic sector received the highest allocation of ₦614.2 billion, followed by the administration sector with ₦157.7 billion, the social sector with ₦148.9 billion, and the justice sector with ₦19 billion. Provisions were also made for regional development and support to local government councils.

The governor said the 2026 Budget of Hope and Growth is anchored on the SHINE Agenda, covering Security, Health, Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Agriculture, and Education, and is designed to deliver people-centred development across the state.

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

Governor Okpebholo thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reforms that have improved revenue flows to states and expressed appreciation to the Edo State House of Assembly, traditional and religious leaders, political appointees and civil servants for their support before formally presenting the bill for legislative consideration.