On Saturday, September 21, 2024, the people of Edo State headed to the polls in large numbers in an election that saw Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, emerge victorious
Okpebholo won the polls after securing 291,667 votes, defeating the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who came in close-second with a total of 247,274 votes, while Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata, came in a distant third with 22,763 votes.
The APC claimed victory in 10 of the state’s 18 Local Government Areas, while the PDP won in the remaining eight.
On Sunday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially declared Monday Okpebholo as the governor-elect, with the announcement made by Prof. Faruq Adamu Kuta, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, at the INEC collation center in Benin City.
As Edo State looks ahead to this new chapter, all eyes are on Monday Okpebholo.
Here are eight things to know about the governor-elect:
- Born in 1970 in Uromi, Edo State, Okpebholo grew up in a modest family that instilled in him the values of integrity, hard work, and service.
- His educational path took him through local schools before attending the University of Benin, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics. He didn’t stop there, as he went on to obtain a Master’s in Public Administration and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan.
- Beyond politics, Okpebholo is an entrepreneur with diverse investments in sectors like hospitality, construction, oil and gas, and agriculture.
- He has also made an impact through his charitable efforts via the Monday Okpebholo Foundation, providing scholarships, healthcare services, and vocational training to underprivileged communities.
- Okpebholo’s political career began in 2003 when he was elected to the House of Representatives under the PDP. Since then, he has advocated for agriculture, rural development, and legislative reforms.
- Outside his professional life, Okpebholo is a family man, married with four children, and deeply connected to his Edo State roots.
- He is also a Christian and an active member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
- Now, as he prepares to lead Edo State, Monday Okpebholo campaign focused on development, economic empowerment, and sustainable growth.(Vanguard)
