Okpebholo Charges Edo LG Chairmen to Prioritise Grassroots Development

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has charged the newly sworn-in chairmen of the state’s 18 local government areas to prioritise grassroots development, reject corruption and justify the confidence placed in them by the electorate.

Okpebholo gave the charge on Friday, September 4, 2026, during the swearing-in ceremony held at the Festival Hall of the Edo State Government House in Benin City.

The governor described the inauguration as the beginning of a new chapter in grassroots governance, stressing that local governments have a special responsibility because they are the tier of government closest to the people.

He urged the new chairmen to complement the state government’s development efforts and ensure that the impact of government is felt across communities. “The people have entrusted you with leadership. Go and justify that trust. Serve with humility, lead with integrity and work with passion.”

Okpebholo also described public office as a “sacred trust”, saying the legacy of each chairman would ultimately be measured by the lives they touched, the problems they solved and how responsibly they used the authority entrusted to them.

The governor specifically instructed the council chairmen to shun corrupt practices and embrace transparency and accountability in managing public resources. He said greater local government autonomy comes with greater responsibility, making it essential for the new administration at the grassroots to deliver visible development and good governance.

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Oredo Local Government Chairman Gabriel Iduseri thanked the governor for the confidence placed in them. He pledged that the newly elected chairmen would provide purposeful, transparent and people-oriented leadership and work towards bringing development to their respective local government areas.

The governor also urged the chairmen to align their programmes with the state government’s SHINE Agenda and work towards building a more peaceful and prosperous Edo State. He expressed confidence that their tenure would bring tangible development, peace and progress to communities across the state.