Tinubu Believes in Nigeria’s Future, Says Okpebholo as Edo Governor Hands Over Rebuilt Ekpoma Shops, Compensates Fire Victims
EKPOMA, Edo State — Governor Monday Okpebholo on Tuesday said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu believes in the future of Nigeria, as he handed over rebuilt shops destroyed in the January fire incident in Ekpoma and presented compensation to affected traders. The governor made the remarks in Ekpoma and Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, during the inauguration of ward and local government coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and at a defection rally held at Eguare Public Field, Irrua.
Speaking at the event, Governor Okpebholo said the president’s removal of fuel subsidy, a decision past leaders avoided, has unlocked resources now being channeled into development projects across the country. “That is the money we are using to work all over Nigeria today,” he stated, adding that the policy reflects the president’s strong belief in Nigeria’s long-term prosperity. He disclosed that he recently hosted a critic of the policy and took him round ongoing projects in Edo State, noting that the critic was convinced after seeing how the funds are being utilized. He added that more independent observers, including Reuben Abati of Arise Television, would be invited to assess projects in the state. Reaffirming support for the president, the governor said Edo State is ready to deliver 2.7 million votes in his favour.
In Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, Governor Okpebholo fulfilled his promise to victims of the January crisis by officially handing over newly reconstructed police officers’ shops (POWA) that were razed during the unrest. He also presented cheques of ₦8 million each to affected shop owners to help them restart their businesses and rebuild their livelihoods. Recalling the incident, the governor said he was woken at about 3 a.m. with news that Ekpoma was on fire and immediately departed Abuja by 4 a.m., arriving the town later that morning to assess the situation.
The governor described the destruction as the handiwork of “evil men” who targeted shops, billboards, and private properties to disrupt peace in the community. Upon arrival, he visited the palace of the Enogie to get firsthand information and expressed shock at the level of devastation. “But today, it is a changed story,” he said, noting that the reconstruction of the shops marks a significant step toward restoring economic activities and normalcy in the area. He revealed that President Tinubu followed the Ekpoma crisis through social media platforms, underscoring the presidency’s interest in developments across the country.
The event at Eguare Public Field also witnessed the defection of major opposition figures into the All Progressives Congress (APC). Notable politicians who led the groups included Sen. Clifford Ordia, Hon. Joe Edionwele, Chief Clifford aka Cliff Sandra, Mrs. Ihenyen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and others from the Labour Party (LP). The inauguration of Renewed Hope Ambassadors and the defection exercise were conducted by the Edo State APC Deputy Chairman and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Sylvester Aigboboh, alongside lawmakers at the National Assembly and other party leaders.
Dignitaries present included the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor Esq; the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; members of the State House of Assembly; party leaders; and other stakeholders. The statement was signed by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday, 14 April 2026.