SENATOR MONDAY OKPEHBOLO, POLITICAL EMINENCE
SENATOR MONDAY OKPEHBOLO, Political Eminence
Monday Okpebholo has emerged as a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, notably following his triumph in the APC primary election for the 2024 gubernatorial contest in Edo State. His journey from modest origins to political eminence underscores his steadfast commitment and resilience. This piece aims to explore his background and trajectory, illuminating the qualities that distinguish him.
Edo state is one socio-political entity blessed with abundant human, natural and material resources which if adequately harnessed can take the state to the highest levels of socio-economic, infrastructural and industrial development except for a glaring paucity of dynamic, resourceful and purposeful leadership since it’s creation on the 1st of October 1992.
Though there have been flashes and phases of visionary leadership in the past, this has not been sufficient to take the ‘Heartbeat of the Nation’ to its desired position in the relevant scheme of things, nationally and globally. However things are set to change with the victory at the party primary, APC gubernatorial candidate 2024 , eminent personality and Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, Chairman Senate Committee on Public Procurement representing Edo South Senatorial Zone.
Having won a decisive landslide victory in the 2023 National Assembly elections which sent his motley of opponents scampering for safety, a kinetic Senator Monday Okpebholo popularly known as ‘Akpakomiza’ moved swiftly to justify the confidence reposed in him by the vast majority of his constituents by ensuring credible representation, effective lawmaking and efficient oversighting of the nation’s vast MDA bureaucracy.
Thus an action-oriented Senator Okpebholo has reached out to key federal agencies notably the Sustainable Development Goals Office,the Federal Ministry of Works & Housing, Education,Water Resources, Universal Basic Education Commission,National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and other crucial MDAs in other to garner pivotal road projects, construction and rehabilitation of primary and secondary classroom blocks, hospitals and health centres, provision of 500KVA transformers, water borehole projects as well as employment opportunities for his constituents in the federal establishments and the security agencies. Also included in this list is the training of women and youths in numerous skills acquisition schemes and vocational occupations.
Crucially, a benevolent Senator Monday Okpebholo has initiated the payment of WAEC, NECO and JAMB registration forms for thousands of students in his constituency as well as providing foodstuffs, provisions and monetary grants for women, youths, widows, the infirm, the indigent, the physically challenged and other vulnerable members of society.
The dynamic Senator has contributed tremendously on national issues and has positioned himself through sheer determination and confidence in the Red Chamber where he argues the cause of his people and thereby renders dividends of democracy to his constituency.
Senator Monday Okpebholo is taking on the whole of Edo State as his future constituency as he had won governorship ticket, which has garnered kudos and deserved plaudits from far and near due to the unalloyed trust and confidence the people have in his capacity to deliver on his promises. Indeed the Edo Central federal lawmaker and the governorship Candidate APC is a highly revered.
Apart from his involvement in politics and business, Senator Monday Okpebholo is a committed Christian and an engaged member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. He is recognized for his charitable work through the Monday Okpebholo Foundation, which offers scholarships, healthcare services, and vocational training to underprivileged communities. Despite his considerable wealth, Senator Okpebholo exhibits a humble attitude and places the well-being of others above his own personal gain.
Senator Monday Okpebholo’s notable accomplishments in both the realms of business and politics underscore his steadfast dedication to excellence and service. Through the establishment of thriving enterprises that generate employment opportunities and the formulation of legislative policies addressing pivotal national concerns, his influence reverberates across diverse sectors. His unwavering advocacy for marginalized communities and endeavors aimed at cultivating inclusive growth have garnered widespread recognition and acclaim.
Senator Monday Okpebholo has cultivated a diverse portfolio, encompassing ventures in hospitality, construction, oil and gas, and agriculture, which have yielded significant wealth over time. His charitable dispose personality as a grassroots politician , positioning him among Nigeria’s affluent political figures.
However, despite his financial prosperity, Senator Okpebholo maintains a down-to-earth demeanor and directs his resources towards philanthropic causes aimed at empowering the underprivileged. This dedication to giving back underscores his character and unwavering commitment to effecting positive change within society.
During the senatorial electioneering campaigns he promised the people of Esanland that he would do whatever it takes to tackle the lack of potable public water which is a major problem in Esanland. For decades, successive governments at different levels have told the people of Edo Central that they cannot provide water for them because of the topography of the senatorial district. But he refused to accept that decision as a finality towards efforts in solving the age-long challenge.
Before his election he sought after professionals in the water sector who advised him to launch a borehole water system scheme which, in their estimation, will help to solve the water problem. He believe in the plan because he had provided water through borehole water system for his community and neighbouring communities in Uwessan as far back as 2007 in fulfilment of the vow he made when he was leaving the village due to the demise of his sister from complications arising from unhygienic water. So, he launched the scheme before the election and were able to provide water in communities that nobody thought we could get water.
After the election he has continued in that trajectory in the provision of potable, safe and clean public water through the borehole water system scheme, and he was able to provide accessible clean potable water to a high number of communities across the five LGAs in Edo Central Senatorial District, free of charge.
He has also done a lot of interventions projects in the road, health, education, transport, and agriculture sectors. In addition, human capital development policy has made many self-independent and self-sufficient.
Senator Monday, For over a year now, have introduced a free public transportation scheme in Edo Central that has continued to operate without any hitches till date. That is novel in Nigeria! At a time governments are finding it difficult to provide free public transportation for the masses, here is an individual who has done so. Most importantly, the free transportation scheme in Edo Central has become an immense support system to workers, traders, business owners, farmers, students, clergymen and various types of commuters in the post-subsidy removal regime in Nigeria.
Senator Akpakomiza however did not stop the pursuit of knowledge even when he was already successful as a businessman. He went back to school and obtained a degree in Business Administration from the University of Abuja. He is currently pursuing his Masters’ degree in Policy and Leadership Studies in the same University of Abuja.
Thus, the public acknowledgement and recognition of his skills and competencies by eminent Nigerians from various fields of endeavor, who were friends and associates of Late Chief Tony Anenih of blessed memory, endeared him to the late Iyasele of Esanland and the black race (Chief Tony Anenih).
Senator Akpakomiza's valuable relationship with Chief Tony Anenih opened up vistas of political engagements between him and political heavyweights across the length and breadth of Nigeria, and therefore, on his own, developed the idea of politics of development and service to humanity. As someone who places value on friendship, he took Late Chief Anenih as his mentor, hero and ‘father.’
Senator Akpakomiza's philosophy for playing politics is woven around human and infrastructural development. It was this factor that pushed him to contest for the Senate in Edo Central Senatorial District, under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His giant strides in infrastructural development and human capital building amongst other public service delivery in Edo Central precipated his overwhelmingly electoral victory on February 25th, 2023, thereby smashing the 24 years rule of PDP in Edo Central Senatorial District.
On June 13th, 2023, he was inaugurated as the Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Edo Central Senatorial District, Edo State, in the 10th National Assembly, and he chairs the Senate Committee on Public Procurement.
As a proud Edo man whose thoughts and feelings is centered around the development of the state and the wellbeing of her people, he joined the governorship race.
Senator Okpebholo's altruistic love and desire to change the deplorable condition of infrastructure, tackle insecurity menace, transform education, health and agric sectors in Edo State were some of the things that propelled him into taking the leap to run for the governorship race.
On February 23rd, 2024 Senator Monday Okpebholo [Akpakomiza] was declared the winner of APC governorship primary election in Edo State after a fierce contest.
Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo [Akpakomiza] is married and blessed with Godly children.
Senator Monday Okpebholo , a seasoned politician, deserves all the accolades on his Victory because of his contribution to the growth and development of the Esan nation in particular and Edo State in general.
’There’s no denying the fact that Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo is a good ambassador of his home State, Edo, and by distinction, Edo Central. He distinguished himself as a brilliant lawmaker during his few months at the Senate with the nature of motions he has moved on the floor of the red chamber, especially on the deplorable situation of our roads.
“Just in a few months in office, he has proved that good governance is not rocket science. Even before his election to represent the people, he has always proved that giving is in his blood. And now, just in a few months in office, he has also proved his worth on the floor of the Senate by contributing immensely to legislative business in the Red Chamber.
“we believe his background, diverse knowledge, experience, and exposure earned him the position of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement of the 10th National Assembly.
Where knowledge, experience, education, leadership and competence matter, Senator Akpakomiza has led.
