An embarrassing hiccup played out on Tuesday as Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, struggled to pronounce N605 billion while presenting the state’s 2025 budget.
A video doing the rounds on social media showed how the governor muddled through pronouncing the figure.
Governor Okpebholo presented an estimated N605 billion budget for the 2025 fiscal year to the Edo State House of Assembly.
It was entitled “Budget of Renewed Hope for a Rising Edo.” The budget represents a 25 per cent increase compared to the 2024 budget.
During the presentation of the Appropriation Bill, the governor was seen visibly stumbling as he tried to pronounce the N605 billion figure.
Despite the momentary hiccup, he continued with his speech.
In his speech, Okpebholo stated that 37 per cent of the total budget, which equalled N223 billion, would be dedicated to recurrent expenditure, while the remaining N381 billion (63 percent) would be allocated for capital projects.
He said, “This budget is a product of extensive consultations and embodies my administration’s commitment to achieving its five-point agenda: security, infrastructural development, healthcare, food sufficiency and education.”
The governor emphasized key initiatives, stating that N162 billion will be allocated for road infrastructure.
These included the development of the Ramat Park flyover, a significant project aimed at transforming Benin City and upgrading its transportation network.
Video below:
