Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has extended President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign to the United Kingdom, urging Edo indigenes in the diaspora to support efforts aimed at delivering 2.5 million votes for the President in the next general election.
The governor also called on Edo people living abroad to assess his administration based on its achievements rather than information circulated on social media. He made the appeal during an interactive session with Edo indigenes in London, organised under the platform of Shine Beyond Borders and hosted by the London Professional Training Centre.
Addressing participants, Okpebholo said the ongoing transformation across Edo State demonstrated that President Tinubu’s economic policies were yielding positive results.
He encouraged professionals, entrepreneurs and investors in the diaspora to return home with their knowledge, investments and international connections to contribute to the state’s development.
The engagement, according to the governor, forms part of the Edo State Government’s broader strategy to deepen ties with Edo communities abroad, strengthen development partnerships and mobilise support ahead of the 2027 elections.
Describing the gathering as a family meeting, Okpebholo reflected on the strong connection between Edo indigenes overseas and their ancestral home.
“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 the oceans.
“To those of you here who have never seen your ancestral home, I invite you to come back, not as visitors but as owners,” he said.
Making a case for increased investment in the state, the governor said his administration’s SHINE Agenda had delivered measurable progress in infrastructure, security, healthcare, education and economic development, positioning Edo as an attractive destination for investors.
He listed major projects undertaken by his administration and the Federal Government, including the Ramat Park Flyover in Benin City, the reconstruction of the Ekpoma-Auchi section of the Benin-Okene Highway using concrete pavement, and the extension of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway through Edo State. He also highlighted security interventions such as the establishment of an Army Forward Operating Base, the siting of MOPOL 82 Squadron, the recruitment of 500 Forest Guards and the approval of a new Army Division for the state.
Okpebholo maintained that the projects reflected the impact of the Federal Government’s economic reforms at the state level, insisting that Edo was benefiting from policies introduced by the Tinubu administration.
He further urged Edo indigenes abroad not to rely on social media narratives when evaluating his government’s performance.
“Judge our administration by our performance and not from online mischief and propaganda,” he appealed.
The governor also encouraged members of the diaspora to promote Edo State’s investment opportunities and avoid projecting the state negatively.
“Avoid always speaking negatively about the land of your forefathers because there is no place like home,” he added.
Okpebholo credited President Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, with improving the financial capacity of state governments and enabling them to execute critical infrastructure projects without depending on federal assistance.
“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 as can be witnessed in Edo State in recent times,” he said.
As part of the event, the governor presented branded face caps and souvenirs bearing President Tinubu’s image to members of the Edo diaspora, 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 London engagement.
