Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has officially enacted the state's fiscal plan for the coming year, signing the N939 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law. The signing ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Government House in Benin City.
A Ceremony Marking Synergy and Purpose
The governor performed the assent in the presence of the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, and other lawmakers. This followed the bill's passage by the legislative house, granting it full legal backing. Governor Okpebholo described the budget, tagged the "Budget of Hope and Growth," as a crucial instrument designed to speed up development and enhance the quality of life for the people of Edo.
He praised the state assembly for its diligence and swift action in handling the bill. "I want to thank the members of the Edo State House of Assembly and the Speaker for doing a good job," Okpebholo stated. "You were proactive and thorough, and I believe this Budget of Hope and Growth will move Edo State to greater heights." He highlighted this cooperation as a clear demonstration of positive synergy between the executive and legislative branches of the state government.
Focus on Critical Sectors: Agriculture and Infrastructure
Earlier at the event, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku commended the governor for his bold, development-oriented leadership. Agbebaku emphasized that the 2026 budget places significant emphasis on key sectors of the state's economy.
He specifically noted that agriculture and infrastructure received considerable attention in the fiscal plan. The Speaker stressed that investing in these areas is vital for achieving long-term goals like food security, job creation, and sustainable economic development for Edo State.
A Strategic Blueprint for Edo's Future
The enactment of this substantial budget marks a definitive step in Governor Okpebholo's administration's agenda. By channeling funds into pivotal sectors, the government aims to translate its commitment to purposeful governance into tangible outcomes for residents. The "Budget of Hope and Growth" is now set to guide the state's financial expenditures and development projects throughout the 2026 fiscal year.