Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, alongside Governors Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Senator Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, were among top public office holders honoured for what organisers described as outstanding and impactful service to their states and the nation.
The colourful award ceremony, organised by New Telegraph Newspaper, drew a packed audience of dignitaries, political associates, family members and supporters who gathered to celebrate the awardees’ contributions to governance and development.
Governor Okpebholo was recognised as Governor of the Year in Education, a category that spotlighted reforms and investments in the education sector over the past year. Speaking after receiving the honour, the Edo governor called on residents to continue supporting his administration as it rolls out its SHINE Agenda.
He said his government remains committed to practical governance and measurable impact. According to him, Edo people should expect more people-centred policies that will transform critical sectors and improve living standards across the state.
Representing the governor at the event, the Chief of Staff, Hon. Yakubu Musa, described the award as well deserved and symbolic of the developmental strides recorded within one year in office.
“This is a moment of pride for Edo people. In just one year, the governor has earned this recognition in education, and we are confident more honours will follow in other sectors,” he said. “We commend his visionary leadership and courage in driving practical governance in Edo State.”
L-R: Edo state commissioner for environment, Nosa Adams, publisher of new telegraph newspaper, Orji Uzor Kalu, Chairman of the occasion, Olusegun Osoba, Chief of staff to Governor of Edo state, Yakubu Musa, Edo state commissioner for women affairs, Mrs Eugenia Abdullah, Special adviser media and publicity to governor of Edo state, Bugie Okhuemoi in a group photograph at the award ceremony.
The Edo delegation to the ceremony included the Commissioner for Finance, Emmanuel Okoebor; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah; Commissioner for Environment, Nosa Adams; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua;Special Adviser on Protocol, Daniel Eromosele; Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Bugie Okhuemoi; and Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Patrick Ebojele, among others.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, expressed delight that the ministry’s efforts contributed significantly to the award.
“We are happy that our work in the education sector is being recognised. This award is a call to do more. It reflects the hard work and reforms implemented over the past year under the Okpebholo administration,” Iyamu stated.
On his part, the Edo State Commissioner for Livestock, Prof. Omorodion Ignatius Ikpomwosa, said the recognition was a direct result of deliberate policies aimed at strengthening public education.
He noted that the administration has recruited over 5,000 teachers, renovated and upgraded public schools, and introduced frameworks to make learning more effective and functional. According to him, improved infrastructure and manpower have restored confidence in public schools across the state.
“Our children now learn in more conducive environments, with more teachers in classrooms. The SHINE Agenda is delivering real value because it is people-focused,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who received the Man of the Year 2025 award, dedicated his honour to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, crediting him for mentoring and discovering him politically.
“I dedicate this award to the Honourable Minister of the FCT who discovered me. I thank him for everything,” Fubara said.
Chairman of the occasion and former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite prevailing national challenges. He described Nigerians as resilient people capable of overcoming difficulties and called for unity in building a stronger and greater country.
The event underscored the growing spotlight on performance-based governance, with organisers noting that the awards aim to encourage accountability, innovation and impactful public service across Nigeria.
