Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, found himself in a moment of confusion during his presentation of the 2025 budget to the State House of Assembly on Tuesday.
The governor stated that the proposed budget, estimated at N605 billion, represents a 25 percent increase from the 2024 budget. The Appropriation Bill was titled “Budget of Renewed Hope for a Rising Edo.”
Okpebholo, a member of the All Progressives Congress who won the state’s 2024 governorship election by defeating Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party, struggled with the pronunciation of the budget’s figures.
In a video shared on social media, the governor hesitated repeatedly, saying, “The Edo State 2025 Appropriation Bill of 6 billion… 650… 605 billion… 76 thou… 76 million…”
He then attempted to correct himself, saying, “Let me take it again. 506 billion… 605 billion… sorry… 776 billion… sorry, it’s confusing me.”
This led to an uproar in the House, prompting Speaker Blessing Agbebaku to call for order, instructing, “Order the House, please. Mr. Speaker must be heard in silence, please.”
After regaining his composure, Okpebholo concluded, “605 billion, and the details of the budget proposal are for your consideration and approval. Thank you for your kind consideration.”
The governor revealed that N223 billion, or 37 percent of the total N605 billion budget, would be allocated to recurrent expenditure, while the remaining N381 billion (63 percent) would be dedicated to capital projects.
“This budget is a product of extensive consultations and reflects my administration’s commitment to achieving its five-point agenda: security, infrastructure development, healthcare, food sufficiency, and education,” Okpebholo stated.
He added, “We recognize the urgent need to connect communities with motorable roads for rapid economic growth. The construction of the iconic Ramat Park flyover, the first of its kind in the state, marks a significant step toward transforming Benin City from an ancient city into a modern metropolis.”
In his remarks, the Speaker assured, “We will collaborate with Your Excellency to ensure that the people of Edo enjoy the dividends of democracy.”
