Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, faced a moment of public embarrassment while presenting the 2025 budget to the Edo State House of Assembly on Tuesday. The budget, titled “Budget of Renewed Hope for a Rising Edo,” is estimated at ₦605 billion, reflecting a 25% increase from the 2024 budget.
A Presentation Marred by Stumbles
Governor Okpebholo, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who recently emerged victorious in the 2024 gubernatorial election, struggled with the pronunciation of the budget’s numerical value during his presentation. A viral video captured the governor repeatedly stammering while attempting to announce the budget’s figure.
“The Edo State 2025 Appropriation Bill of 6 billion… 650… 605 billion… 76 thou… 76 million… Let me take it again. 506 billion… 605 billion… sorry… 776 billion… sorry, it’s confusing me,” the governor said.
The confusion prompted laughter and murmurs among legislators, leading the Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, to call for order. “Order the House, please. Mr Speaker must be heard in silence, please,” Agbebaku instructed.
Eventually regaining his composure, Governor Okpebholo clarified, “605 billion and details of the budget proposed… proposal for your consideration and approval. Thank you for your kind consideration.”
Breakdown of the 2025 Budget
Despite the initial confusion, the governor outlined the specifics of the ₦605 billion budget. It allocates:
- ₦223 billion (37%) to recurrent expenditure: This includes salaries, pensions, and overhead costs essential for the daily operation of the state government.
- ₦381 billion (63%) to capital projects: This amount is intended for developmental initiatives, such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture.
Focus on Infrastructure and Development
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the budget reflects his administration’s commitment to delivering on its five-point agenda: security, infrastructural development, healthcare, food sufficiency, and education. He highlighted key projects aimed at transforming Edo State, including:
- The Ramat Park Flyover: Described as the first of its kind in the state, this iconic project is part of efforts to modernize Benin City and connect communities with motorable roads to foster economic growth.
- Road Construction: The governor stressed the importance of building and maintaining roads to link rural and urban areas, accelerating trade and development.
- Education and Healthcare: Investments in schools and hospitals are designed to ensure access to quality education and healthcare for residents.
- Food Sufficiency: Agricultural projects are aimed at boosting local food production and ensuring food security across the state.
“This budget is a product of extensive consultations and embodies my administration’s commitment to achieving its five-point agenda,” Okpebholo stated.
Legislative Support
In response to the governor’s presentation, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku assured the House’s cooperation with the executive arm to implement the budget. “We will collaborate with your Excellency to ensure that the people of Edo enjoy the dividends of democracy,” Agbebaku remarked.
Public and Social Media Reactions
The governor’s stumbles during the presentation have drawn mixed reactions online. While some criticized the incident as unprofessional, others defended the governor, emphasizing the complexities of public speaking and governance. Memes and humorous commentary flooded social media, with many sharing clips of the governor’s repeated attempts to announce the budget figure.
However, beyond the viral moment, the focus has shifted to the actual content of the budget and its potential impact on the people of Edo State.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 budget represents a bold plan to drive development across Edo State. If implemented effectively, it could address critical needs such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic growth. The administration’s ability to execute these plans and deliver tangible benefits will be the true measure of success, far outweighing the initial stumble in presentation.
