Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has been awarded the Emergency and Proactive Governor of the Year at the 2025 Progressive Digital Media Summit, a landmark gathering of technology and governance innovators across Nigeria.

The award, which recognises swift leadership, effective crisis management, and visionary digital governance, was received on his behalf by Honourable Monday Jackson, Special Adviser to the Governor on New Media and Visual Communications.

Speaking at the summit held in Abuja on Saturday, organisers praised Governor Okpebholo’s administration for its “resilient and responsive” approach to governance, especially in the face of emergencies affecting Edo State.

“This prestigious accolade underscores Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to effective governance and his proactive approach to addressing challenges in the state,” said Hon. Jackson while receiving the award.

The Progressive Digital Media Summit has become a key national platform where policymakers, digital strategists, and public administrators converge to explore how digital tools can enhance governance, transparency, and citizen engagement.

Governor Okpebholo’s recognition comes amid growing attention to how Nigerian states can leverage innovation to respond to emergencies, improve service delivery, and build more resilient systems.

His administration has, in recent months, rolled out various initiatives aimed at early emergency response, environmental management, infrastructure rehabilitation, and transparent communication with citizens through digital platforms.

“His administration has demonstrated resilience and innovation in managing emergencies and implementing policies that prioritize the welfare of Edo citizens,” the summit organisers added.

The award is seen as a reflection of how Edo State’s leadership is adapting to the realities of modern governance, where proactive planning and digital engagement are no longer optional but essential.

“The recognition of Governor Okpebholo highlights the transformative impact of digital solutions in addressing pressing issues in Edo State,” the organisers noted.

For many political observers and stakeholders at the summit, the award not only celebrates leadership but also sets a benchmark for other public office holders.

“The award symbolizes a significant milestone in Governor Okpebholo’s journey and reinforces the importance of adaptive leadership in a rapidly evolving world,” Hon. Jackson concluded.

This latest honour adds to a growing list of acknowledgements for the governor, who assumed office with a promise to deliver on accountability, inclusiveness, and people-centred development.

In a major step to actualise his administration’s vision of transforming Anambra into Nigeria’s ‘Dubai-Silicon Valley,’ Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has approved a fresh round of infrastructure, water supply, and youth empowerment projects across the state.

The decision, made during the 17th Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) meeting on July 30, 2025, at the Light House in Awka, underscores the administration’s commitment to building sustainable, livable, and economically viable communities.

Nri-Agbanabo-Nimo Road Construction Approved

One of the key highlights of the meeting was the approval of the construction of the Nri-Agbanabo-Nimo Road. This road is expected to enhance connectivity between localities and improve mobility for residents and businesses in the area.

Speaking to journalists, the State’s Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, stated: “This decision reflects our commitment to holistic development. We are not just constructing roads; we are opening up corridors of growth, investment, and community transformation.”

Restoration of Abakaliki Street Name

In a symbolic move aimed at preserving cultural identity, ANSEC also approved the restoration of “Abakaliki Street,” which was renamed “Club Road” by the previous administration in 2018.

According to Mefor:

“ANSEC corrected what it described as ‘a historic mistake’ to restore the street’s significance and uphold Igbo heritage. The Council reiterated the oneness of the Igbo people, emphasizing that geopolitical divisions are administrative conveniences, not ethnic identifiers.”

Dual Carriageway to Link Major Cities

Further expanding on road infrastructure, ANSEC awarded a fourth major dual carriageway—the Ekwulobia to Nnobi Dualisation Road Project. This completes the state’s beltway, linking the four major cities of Anambra and easing traffic flow around the state.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Projects Expand Access

In a parallel development, Governor Soludo’s administration has approved contracts for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in Nkwo Umunze and surrounding communities. These facilities aim to alleviate chronic water scarcity and enhance hygiene standards in underserved areas.

Other WASH-related approvals include:

Solar-powered borehole and rehabilitation of five broken boreholes at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli Campus

Hybrid power-driven water supply systems for Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe

WASH facility installation at Chief Jerome Udoji State Secretariat, Awka

Mefor emphasized that these actions are part of the broader urban regeneration framework, stating:

“The vision is to make every Anambra community livable and prosperous. This government is building the physical and human infrastructure that will shape the state’s future.”

Youth Skills Training and Innovation Incubation

ANSEC also reviewed the outcomes of Cohort One of the “One-Youth-Two-Skills Scheme,” where 7,163 out of 11,000 trainees excelled in 65 skill areas. The Council approved Cohort Two, alongside a business incubation programme under the Solution Innovation District (SID).

According to the state, over 1,000 millionaires have emerged from graduates of the digital skills training scheme, with 235 apprentices completing entrepreneurship programs across the 21 local governments.

“This is innovation-led growth at its core,” said Mefor. “The SID startup programme will empower early-stage businesses to thrive and create jobs. The governor is building not just roads but minds.”

Business Reforms and Urban Recreation

The Council also approved the 2024 Business Enabling Reforms Action Plan (BERAP), aimed at improving the ease of doing business in the state. Additionally, the Awka City Park Project, previously approved, will commence to enhance urban aesthetics and recreation in the capital city.

Governor Soludo’s Broader Scorecard

Governor Soludo’s ambitious agenda continues to receive accolades, including praise from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and support from Anambra indigenes at home and abroad. His administration’s scorecard includes:

Security: Deployment of “Agunechemba” tech-driven policing and “Operation Udo Ga-Achi” operatives.

Education: Free education policies, overhaul of public schools, and hiring of 8,115 teachers.

Healthcare: New general hospitals, upgraded health centres, free antenatal care, and increased personnel.

Economy: Investments in industrialisation, youth digital training, and entrepreneurship support.

In a significant move towards boosting infrastructure in riverine communities and upholding traditional institutions, Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Saturday, August 2, 2025, paid a working visit to Obe-Nla community in Ilaje Local Government Area. He inspected the ongoing construction of a 1,000-meter concrete walkway and a jetty—key projects aimed at easing mobility and marine transport in the coastal settlement.

The Governor expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of the project, which he described as a deviation from the historically unstable wooden walkways common in Ilaje communities.

“The terrain here is challenging, yet the quality of work is commendable. I urge the contractor to speed up construction so the people can benefit fully from this investment,” Governor Aiyedatiwa said.

The new infrastructure, which will include solar-powered streetlights for safety and convenience, marks a strategic investment in the coastal region’s development and accessibility.

Commitment to Traditional Institutions

Following the inspection, Governor Aiyedatiwa also presented the instrument of appointment and staff of office to two newly recognised traditional rulers in Ilaje—Oba Ademola Akinbule, the Yasere of Oriretan, and Oba Olusola Ajaka, the Gbogunro of Idi-Ogba Alagbon.

The presentation ceremony reflects the state government’s effort to affirm and institutionalize traditional leadership across Ondo’s communities.

“The elevation of some chieftaincies and the recognition of new ones in Ondo State signify the respect we accord traditional institutions,” the Governor stated.

Governor Aiyedatiwa recalled that the State Executive Council had approved the title change from Yasere of Ilepepe to Yasere of Oriretan on June 20, 2025, after a thorough review of the request and historical documentation.

Congratulating the newly installed monarchs, he added,

“Oba Akinbule’s ascension as the pioneer Oba of Oriretan is a divine call to serve his people. I urge him to rule with wisdom and peace.”

The Governor also reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance policy for insecurity. “The safety of residents remains a top priority. We will continue to rid our communities of miscreants and criminals,” he assured.

Local Leaders Laud Government Efforts

Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Maurice Oripenaye, applauded the Governor’s leadership and political will in approving the new royal stools.

“This occasion symbolizes our cultural heritage and the value the state government places on traditional leadership,” Oripenaye said.

He further praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for several development strides including the construction of asphalt roads, the flag-off of the dual carriageway between Okitipupa and Igbokoda, and the renovation of schools and hospitals.

Also speaking at the event, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, described the presentation ceremony as a “clear demonstration” of the administration’s resolve to address lingering chieftaincy matters in the state.

“We are working tirelessly to resolve all outstanding issues related to traditional stools and titles. Today’s event is proof of that,” Takuro noted.

Cultural Identity and Infrastructural Growth Intertwined

Saturday’s twin events—one developmental, the other cultural—underscore Governor Aiyedatiwa’s holistic approach to governance in Ondo’s underserved areas, combining infrastructural investments with traditional leadership empowerment. The Obe-Nla walkway and jetty, once completed, will not only enhance mobility but also reinforce the state’s broader economic and social integration goals.