Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has expressed confidence that key reforms from his administration will continue under his successor, Monday Okpebholo, despite the transition to an opposition-led government.
Speaking with reporters in Lagos, Obaseki, whose term ends on November 11, stated, “The people are very aware of our reforms and legacies we are leaving behind. I don’t think because there is a change in government, they will change some of these reforms.”
Emphasizing his optimism, Obaseki noted, “I’m optimistic that they [reforms] will last,” as he addressed concerns regarding the continuity of his policies after his administration. He asserted that the reforms would not simply “disappear” if Okpebholo, the incoming governor from the All Progressives Congress chose not to support them.
“Beyond this, in the reforms we have undertaken, we have institutionalised or started the process of institutionalising some of them,” Obaseki added. “The people know, and I doubt if they will keep quiet for long, allowing things to go back to what they used to be without complaining or shouting.”
Obaseki highlighted specific initiatives, such as the EdoBEST e-learning program, which has benefited many schoolchildren, and noted that workers and parents are unlikely to tolerate any changes that could disrupt these gains. He emphasized that his administration had restored dignity within the civil service, transformed the education system, and enhanced infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and internet connectivity.
Part of Obaseki’s legacy includes achieving stable electricity to power public institutions and infrastructure in metropolitan Benin City, as well as prioritizing fiber optic infrastructure to improve connectivity across all 18 local government areas. These advancements, he believes, have set a strong foundation that the people of Edo will insist on preserving.
