Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo yesterday continued his one-year anniversary tour of key infrastructure projects across the state, especially in Southern Senatorial District.

The inspection drew jubilant crowds and widespread celebration, as residents thronged the streets to hail what many described as a new dawn of purposeful leadership and development.

From the newly renovated Army Day Secondary School at Ikpoba Hill, to the fast-rising Adesuwa Junction Flyover and the 8.23-kilometre Okpagha–Amufi Road, the governor’s convoy was met with excitement, dancing and cheers, as communities came alive in spontaneous celebration of his achievements within just one year in office.

At Army Day Secondary School, students in crisp uniforms waved flags and sang songs of praise as they welcomed the governor. Teachers, parents and residents held placards with inscriptions such as “Okpebholo, the Hope Restorer!” and “Edo is Shining Again!”, a reflection of the renewed optimism sweeping through the state.

Governor Okpebholo, visibly moved by the transformation of the once-dilapidated school, expressed deep satisfaction about the quality of work done.

“When we came here last time, I was unhappy. There were no roofs, no windows, and no proper learning environment. Today, we have air-conditioned laboratories, renovated classrooms and a secured perimeter. This is what true change looks like,” he said.

The governor announced plans to install solar-powered streetlights across the school premises to enhance security and provide an enabling environment for students to study at night.

He credited the success of such interventions to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which, he said, continued to inspire his administration’s focus on people-centred governance.

Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, described the project as “a total rewrite of the story,” noting that the school, once abandoned and unsafe, has now become a model for public education in Edo.

“Children used to clean their own classrooms before learning could begin. The governor has changed that reality and restored dignity to education in Edo State,” he said.

A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Otunba Segun Sowunmi, lauded the governor’s leadership style and vision, remarking that “every investment in education is an investment in human capital. If this is what one year looks like, then the future of Edo under Okpebholo is bright indeed.”

Dr. Oduwale Egwaigie, chairman of the School Management Development Committee and an old student, recounted the school’s years of neglect, describing the governor’s swift intervention as “nothing short of historic.”

According to him, “for eight years, we pleaded for help to no avail. But this governor acted within weeks. Parents are now transferring their children from private schools to Army Day. That says it all.”

From Ikpoba Hill, the governor’s entourage proceeded to Adesuwa Junction, where construction work on the state’s second flyover bridge is advancing rapidly. Excited residents lined the streets, chanting and waving as the governor inspected progress at the site.

Special Adviser on Project Monitoring, Phoebe Williams-Bello, said the flyover was on track for early completion, six months ahead of schedule.

Williams-Bello, an engineer, said affected property owners had been fully compensated and commended the governor for his commitment to infrastructural renewal.

“The people can see the progress. This is not a promise on paper, it is tangible development taking shape before our eyes,” she said.

At the 8.23-kilometre Okpagha–Amufi Road, residents erupted in joy as the governor’s convoy arrived. Dancing and singing, they celebrated the long-awaited project, which links Ikpoba-Okha and Uhunmwonde local governments, opening access to markets, schools and rural communities.

A community leader, beaming with excitement, said: “For years, this road was a nightmare. Today, we can drive freely. Governor Okpebholo has restored our faith in government.”

The inspection tour ended in a carnival-like atmosphere, as traders, artisans and students flooded the streets, waving banners and chanting songs of appreciation.

For many, the day symbolised not just an anniversary of leadership, but also a celebration of progress, hope and the rebirth of Edo State under a governor who has matched words with action.