***Appoints Hon. Oladele Bankole-Balogun as new revenue board chair

In a bold move to revolutionize revenue generation in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo has appointed Hon. (Bar.) Oladele Bankole-Balogun as the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Board of Internal Revenue.
The announcement, made by Secretary to the State Government Umar Musa,is indicative of the administration’s determination to bolster financial stability and drive economic development.

Hon. Bankole-Balogun, born in 1961 into the prestigious Bankole-Balogun family of Igara, Akoko-Edo, brings an exceptional track record in law, governance, and business.

His qualifications include:
BSc in Political Science from the University of Ibadan. LLB in Law from the University of London.
Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the College of Law, London.

With memberships in the Law Society of England and Wales, Nigerian Bar Association, and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), his career spans leadership roles in top-tier organizations like Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Pfizer UK, and the Public Complaints Commission.
Governor Okpebholo also announced the appointment of three Executive Directors representing Edo’s senatorial districts to complement the Board’s work:

1. Deacon Idiake Patrick Akhimien – Edo Central.
2. Hon. Mike Ohio Ezomo – Edo North.
3. Hon. Engr. Jackson Eribo – Edo South.

The appointments aim to overhaul Edo’s revenue system, leveraging Hon. Bankole-Balogun’s expertise to implement innovative strategies for internal revenue growth.

“These appointments highlight our commitment to building a financially robust Edo State. With Hon. Bankole-Balogun’s leadership and this talented team, we are set to achieve unprecedented economic progress,” Governor Okpebholo stated.

The new chairman’s illustrious career includes: Chairman of Alphabet House Ltd and Director at Allen Angus Resources Ltd.
Chairman of the Barking and Havering Hospital Trust Appointments Board in the UK.
Principal Partner at Oladele Bankole-Balogun & Co.
In the political arena, he has served as a Federal Commissioner for the Public Complaints Commission and contributed to the APC Campaign Council for the 2024 Edo gubernatorial elections.

“The new leadership is tasked with optimizing revenue generation, promoting fiscal accountability, and driving economic transformation.
“The Board is set to immediately begin implementing strategies to elevate Edo State’s financial landscape, ensuring sustainable development for its citizens.

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) will commence a statewide profiling and documentation exercise on Monday, December 2, 2024, to strengthen its security operations.
Coordinator of the ESSC, Friday Ibadin who is also a retired Commissioner of Police
announced this during a press briefing in Benin City, emphasizing the commitment of Governor Okpebholo’s administration to a safer Edo State.
Ibadin called on personnel from the defunct Edo State Security Network, now integrated into the ESSC, to present themselves for profiling at designated locations in the three senatorial districts. “The governor understands that without a secure society, there can be no meaningful development. Security and development go hand in hand,” he said.

According to Ibadin, the profiling exercise will be held simultaneously in three locations with Edo North situated at Police Area Command, Auchi, Edo Central will take place at Public Field, Esan North East, while that for Edo South will happen in Benin City

“Records show we have 11,098 personnel across the state. This exercise is essential to evaluate our strength, composition, and readiness,” Ibadin noted, urging all personnel to be fully kitted with uniforms, ID cards, and firearms for proper documentation.

He added, “We have appointed coordinators in each senatorial district to oversee the process. All personnel must come prepared as we will issue arms codes to differentiate them.”

The Coordinator assured the public that the exercise is part of broader efforts to ensure the safety of residents.
“We are working to create a secure environment where people can sleep peacefully. Security is costly, but the cost of insecurity is far greater,” Ibadin said.

He commended Governor Okpebholo’s administration for prioritizing security, reiterating that the state government is committed to providing a safe environment for growth and development. “Our goal is to ensure that Edo State remains safe and secure for all its residents,” Ibadin concluded.

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Monday, conducted a thorough inspection of ongoing road construction and rehabilitation projects in Benin City, the State capital. His visit focused on key sites, including the Upper Mission Road Extension by Aduwawa Junction, Obadan Junction, and sections of the Benin-Auchi Expressway, to evaluate progress and address issues faced by residents and commuters.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua in a statement issued on Monday indicated that
Governor Okpebholo was particularly concerned with the deteriorating state of the Upper Mission Road Extension, where damaged road sections have created significant disruptions for local businesses and residents.
The Governor reassured the public that his administration was committed to expediting repairs and ensuring that the roads are fully restored.
“I visited Upper Mission Extension last week and saw how difficult it was for vehicles to navigate. The road was in a terrible state, and businesses in the area were struggling. We are working hard to fix these roads and alleviate the challenges faced by our people,” Governor Okpebholo stated.
The Governor emphasized that addressing the state’s infrastructure challenges is a top priority for his administration. He also noted that his government is aligning its efforts with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s *Renewed Hope Agenda*, with the goal of improving Edo State’s infrastructure and overall living conditions.
“Edo has suffered from years of neglect, but that is about to change. The President is aware of the situation, and we are working together to ensure that the people of Edo State benefit from the necessary upgrades and improvements. This administration is committed to making Edo a place where we can all thrive,” Okpebholo added.
He also highlighted the strategic importance of the Obadan Junction road project, which connects major trade routes to the north and southeast of the country. He stressed that the completion of this road would be a major boost to the state’s economy, facilitating trade and commerce.
“This road is vital for us. It connects us to Agor, Onitsha, and the northern parts of the country. Completing this project will open up the State, boost economic activity, and improve our connectivity with other regions,” the Governor explained.
Okpebholo reiterated that his administration had already hit the ground running, with a focus on infrastructure development, including road repairs, flyover projects, and other key initiatives aimed at transforming the State.
“We’ve been in office for just six days, but we are already taking action. It’s work, work, and more work. We are committed to delivering on our promises and ensuring that Edo becomes a State we can all be proud of,” he concluded.