Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has been selected for recognition at the 2026 LEADERSHIP Newspaper Awards, with the organisers citing his administration’s policies in education, healthcare, security and infrastructure development.
The recognition was formally communicated to the governor on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, when senior representatives of LEADERSHIP Newspaper visited him at the Government House in Benin City.
The award presentation is scheduled for December 1 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Why LEADERSHIP Selected Okpebholo
The newspaper’s Vice-Chairman, Michael Okpere, said the decision followed an assessment of the policies and activities of state governors across Nigeria.
According to him, a 54-member selection panel reviewed developments in different states before identifying five governors for recognition in 2026.
The newspaper had recognised six governors in the previous award cycle.
Okpere explained that the annual honours were intended to draw attention to individuals and institutions whose work the organisers considered significant.
He said the awards covered 21 categories, including Governor of the Year, Person of the Year, Civil Servant of the Year and Banker of the Year.
The delegation also formally invited Okpebholo to attend the December ceremony.
Education Funding Among Reasons for Recognition
Abraham Nda-Isaiah, the newspaper’s Director of Conferences and Awards, identified education as one of the areas considered in the selection.
He pointed to the Edo State Government’s increased financial support for Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, and Edo State University, Uzairue.
According to the organisers, monthly subvention to Ambrose Alli University rose from ₦41 million to approximately ₦500 million under the Okpebholo administration.
They also cited the increased allocation to Edo State University, which now receives ₦250 million monthly.
The funding changes were previously announced by the Edo State Government and reported by national news organisations.
At Edo State University in April 2026, the governor announced an additional ₦2 billion infrastructure grant and inaugurated an electronic library.
He also participated in groundbreaking activities for proposed student fitness and healthcare facilities.
These developments formed part of the education policies highlighted in the newspaper’s assessment.
Security, Roads and Healthcare Also Considered
Beyond university funding, the LEADERSHIP delegation said its review covered the administration’s interventions in security, road construction and healthcare services.
Since taking office in November 2024, Okpebholo has announced several road projects, school improvements and measures intended to strengthen security in Edo State.
His administration has also reported the recruitment of teachers and additional investment in education infrastructure.
During the presentation of Edo State’s 2026 budget, the governor said 28 road projects covering approximately 255 kilometres had been awarded.
The budget presentation also identified education, infrastructure and agriculture among the government’s priorities.
The newspaper said these initiatives contributed to its decision to include Okpebholo among the governors selected for recognition.
The nomination reflects the organisers’ assessment of the administration. It does not, by itself, provide an independent audit of every project or establish the final impact of the policies.
LEADERSHIP Delegation Meets Edo Governor
Other members of the visiting delegation included Paul Agbo, Director of Special Projects, and Patrick Ochoga, the newspaper’s Benin correspondent and Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel.
During the meeting, the delegation explained the purpose of the annual awards and discussed the selection process.
Okpere said the newspaper had maintained the recognition programme for nearly two decades, with nominees and recipients drawn from government, business, public service and other sectors.
He encouraged the Edo governor to attend the forthcoming ceremony in person.
Okpebholo Responds to Award Recognition
Responding, Okpebholo thanked the newspaper’s management for considering him for the honour.
The governor said he viewed his responsibilities as public service rather than an opportunity to seek personal recognition.
He explained that his interest in the development of Edo State began before his election as governor and that he remained committed to improving conditions for residents.
Okpebholo also expressed appreciation for the delegation’s visit and said he hoped to continue serving the state.
He acknowledged the recognition while expressing his desire for the strength to carry out further development programmes.
Five Governors Selected for 2026 Honours
LEADERSHIP’s published award profiles identify Okpebholo alongside four other governors selected for its 2026 Governor of the Year recognition.
They are Alex Otti of Abia State, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, Agbu Kefas of Taraba State and Nasir Idris of Kebbi State.
The recognition is part of the newspaper’s annual awards programme, which acknowledges public officials and individuals from several professional fields.
Previous editions have also featured multiple recipients within the governors’ category.
Abuja Ceremony Scheduled for December 1
The 2026 LEADERSHIP Awards ceremony is expected to bring together public officials, business leaders and representatives of other sectors in Abuja.
For Okpebholo, the October 13 visit formally communicated the organisers’ decision and extended an invitation to the presentation.
The December event will mark the formal conferment of the recognition.
