GovernorMonday Okpebholo
Governor Monday Okpebholo has launched a major diaspora engagement drive aimed at turning Edo professionals and investors abroad into partners in the state’s economic transformation while also rallying support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election.
At a meeting with Edo indigenes in London, the governor outlined his administration’s achievements, courted investment from overseas citizens and urged them to become active participants in shaping the state’s political and economic future.
The event, organised under the aegis of Shine Beyond Borders and hosted by the London Professional Training Centre, underscored the growing importance political leaders now attach to Nigeria’s diaspora—not only as a source of remittances but as a constituency capable of influencing governance, investment and electoral outcomes.
Speaking at the forum, Okpebholo said Edo’s development would be accelerated if its professionals and entrepreneurs abroad returned with their expertise, technology, business networks and investments.
He said his administration’s SHINE Agenda had delivered visible progress in infrastructure, security, healthcare, education and economic development, making the state increasingly attractive to investors.
To support his claim, the governor highlighted projects including the Ramat Park Flyover in Benin City, the reconstruction of the Ekpoma–Auchi section of the Benin–Okene Highway, expansion of security infrastructure through an Army Forward Operational Base, MOPOL 82 Squadron, recruitment of 500 Forest Guards and the approval of a new Army Division for Edo State.
With attention already shifting to the 2027 elections, Okpebholo called on Edo indigenes abroad to support his administration’s political objectives, including his pledge that Edo would deliver 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.
He urged participants to judge his government by visible projects rather than social media narratives and encouraged them to become ambassadors of Edo by promoting its investment opportunities across the world.
Addressing those who had never visited their ancestral communities, the governor said: “Some of you left Edo as children. Some of you have never even seen Edo, but you grew up hearing the names of your communities from your parents. That is true love that has survived oceans.”
He added: “To those of you here who have never seen your ancestral home, I invite you to come back, not as visitors, but as owners.”
Okpebholo also credited President Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, with improving the financial capacity of states to embark on infrastructure projects.
“The era of governors queuing up for bailouts in Abuja before they could pay workers’ salaries is over. Today, states have more money not only for salaries but enough to undertake infrastructural development,” he said.
The governor rounded off the engagement by presenting branded face caps and souvenirs bearing President Tinubu’s image to participants, reaffirming his administration’s support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, attended the event, lending political weight to the outreach as parties gradually position themselves for the 2027 elections.