Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, found himself in an awkward moment during his recent announcement of the state’s 2025 budget, which has since gone viral across social media platforms.
The governor presented a ₦605 billion budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year to the Edo State House of Assembly on Tuesday, marking an ambitious plan for the future of the state. The budget, which is dubbed the “Budget of Renewed Hope for a Rising Edo,” reflects a 25% increase from the 2024 budget, showcasing the governor’s effort to steer the state towards growth and development.
However, during the presentation, Governor Okpebholo experienced a brief stumble while announcing the ₦605 billion figure, leading to a momentary pause. Despite this, he quickly regained his composure and continued with the presentation, detailing the key components of the budget for the coming year. The slip-up has sparked attention, with many taking to social media to share the moment.
A breakdown of the budget shows that ₦223 billion (37%) of the total amount is designated for recurrent expenditure, while a significant ₦381 billion (63%) will be allocated to capital projects. The latter is expected to drive major economic growth and development initiatives across the state, including vital infrastructure projects aimed at transforming Edo’s landscape.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the budget was the result of extensive consultations with various stakeholders and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to its five-point agenda, which focuses on security, infrastructure, healthcare, food sufficiency, and education. These sectors are considered pillars in the governor’s vision for the state’s future progress.
One of the standout highlights of the 2025 budget is the ₦162 billion allocated to road infrastructure, which includes the construction of the long-awaited Ramat Park flyover in Benin City. This critical infrastructure project is expected to significantly improve the city’s transportation network and ease the heavy traffic congestion that has been a challenge for residents and visitors alike. The flyover project is seen as a key milestone in Edo’s development agenda and one of the most anticipated projects for the state in the near future.
In his remarks, Governor Okpebholo expressed optimism about the budget's impact on the state, saying, “This budget is a clear reflection of the people’s aspirations, as we strive to build a more prosperous Edo for all.”
The video of the governor’s momentary stumble has already garnered significant attention, with many reacting humorously while others commended his quick recovery and continued focus on the task at hand. Regardless of the brief slip, the focus remains on the ambitious plans set for the state in 2025, with the hopes of bringing positive change to Edo State.
See video below;
