By Seyi Babalola
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for the successful launch of the New Edo Line Transport Service, describing it as a bold step towards infrastructural renewal and efficient public service delivery in the state.
The commendation came during the recent meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held in Abuja, where President Tinubu addressed party leaders and stakeholders from across the federation.
While reaffirming the APC-led Federal Government’s commitment to good governance at all levels, President Tinubu lauded Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to practical development initiatives that resonate with the people.
“I also congratulate the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, on the Supreme Court affirmation of his mandate,” President Tinubu declared to resounding applause. “We will continue to work with you. We have seen and we congratulate you on the newly-launched Edo Line.”
This public endorsement does not only signify the President’s admiration for Governor Okpebholo’s developmental strides but also reflects the deepening synergy between the state and the federal government under the APC banner.
The President’s acknowledgment is an indication of strengthened confidence in the leadership of Governor Okpebholo, whose early months in office have been marked by bold reforms and a return to people-focused governance.
The New Edo Line Transport Service, once a shadow of its former self, has now been restored under Governor Okpebholo’s watch with a fleet of modern buses, efficient management structures, and improved service delivery.
The reintroduction of this vital public transport system is seen by many as a crucial intervention in improving mobility, creating jobs, and stimulating economic activity across Edo’s urban and rural areas.
Under the Okpebholo administration, the transport sector is being reimagined to serve not only as a means of movement but also as a critical enabler of commerce, access to education, and social integration.
The newly-launched Edo Line is expected to reduce travel costs, ease movement for workers and traders, and restore the dignity of state-managed public infrastructure.
Beyond transport, the collaboration between President Tinubu and Governor Okpebholo has already begun to yield tangible benefits across several sectors in Edo State.
From increased federal attention to infrastructural projects, to smoother coordination on security, agriculture, and social intervention programmes, the working relationship between the Presidency and Osadebey Avenue is setting a new tone for Edo’s development trajectory.
President Tinubu’s progressive economic agenda and Governor Okpebholo’s grassroots-focused leadership approach complement each other, forging a productive alliance that prioritizes the welfare of ordinary citizens.
The President’s direct mention of the Governor’s efforts at the NEC meeting is seen as a significant gesture of political support and encouragement to sustain the ongoing reforms.
Since assuming office, Governor Okpebholo has consistently echoed his admiration for President Tinubu’s leadership philosophy, citing it as an inspiration for his own governance style.
In his speeches, the Edo Governor has referred to President Tinubu as a “visionary builder of modern governance” whose policy direction has created space for innovation and restoration at the subnational level.
The synergy is most evident in areas like revenue reforms, digital governance, and youth empowerment. Edo has already keyed into several federal government initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including the expansion of rural electrification programmes and targeted agricultural support schemes.
The Supreme Court’s recent affirmation of Governor Okpebholo’s mandate has further consolidated his political authority and opened new chapters for collaboration with Abuja.
With Tinubu’s public endorsement, a more robust alignment between Edo State and the centre is expected, especially ahead of crucial policy rollouts in transportation, education, and healthcare.
As Edo people celebrate the launch of Edo Line, a symbolic and functional leap into modernization, they are also witnessing the fruits of an effective federal-state partnership.
At the heart of it stands a leader in Governor Okpebholo who, like President Tinubu, believes that governance must translate into visible, measurable impact.
