Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has decried the absence of meaningful development across the state’s 18 local government areas despite receiving over N83 billion in federal allocations within a year.
Okpebholo expressed his dissatisfaction during a courtesy visit by the Acting Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Alabi Oshionogue, along with councillors and party leaders, to his office in Benin City on Thursday.
Highlighting the federal government’s commitment to grassroots development, Okpebholo revealed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration significantly boosted monthly allocations to local governments.
He stated that between January and September 2024, each council received over N6.5 billion monthly, with allocations exceeding N8 billion per month from October to December.
“In total, the councils have received over N83 billion in the past year from the federation account,” Okpebholo said.
“Despite this, there is no visible development to justify the funds.”
The governor accused local government officials of mismanaging resources, stressing that critical sectors such as education remain neglected.
“These chairmen withdrew as much as N800 million monthly from local government accounts while our schools lacked proper classrooms, teachers, and basic infrastructure. This is unacceptable,” he lamented.
He further emphasized the need for local governments to align with President Tinubu’s vision of grassroots development and warned against practices that hinder progress.
“My administration will not tolerate individuals drawing Edo State backward. We are ready to collaborate with councils that are committed to delivering the dividends of democracy to our people,” he said.
Okpebholo also outlined plans to boost agriculture and drive economic growth through partnerships with local governments.
In response, Acting Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Alabi Oshionogue, praised the governor’s leadership and pledged support for his administration’s developmental agenda.
“We are committed to working with your administration to ensure governance reaches the grassroots and Edo State continues to thrive,” Oshionogue stated.
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