Esan Professionals honour Governor Monday Okpebholo with double awards in Lagos, citing major progress in Edo State roads and education

Lagos will host a major professional and cultural gathering on Sunday as the Association of Esan Professionals confers double honours on the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, in recognition of what the group described as decisive achievements in infrastructure and education.

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The awards will be presented during the Association of Esan Professionals 2025 End of Year Party and Awards Gala at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, where senior professionals, business leaders and community figures from Esanland are expected to converge.

In a statement issued ahead of the event, the association said the governor was selected for “development strides in road infrastructure and education” and for his performance as a worthy son and ambassador of Esanland.

The nomination letter was jointly signed by the Association of Esan Professionals President, Dr Henry Ehi Egbiki, and the Vice President and Chairman of the Planning, Organising and Awards Committee, Engineer Obehi Okosun.

Since assuming office, Senator Okpebholo has overseen extensive rehabilitation and expansion of Edo State road infrastructure.

Projects cited by the association include the revival of abandoned works, repairs along the Benin Auchi Abuja Expressway and the launch of new road and bridge developments such as the Temboga Road project and the Ramat Park Flyover, measures credited with easing congestion and improving connectivity.

The education sector has also recorded notable activity under the current administration. Within one year, the governor declared a state of emergency in education, increased funding for Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, and initiated the construction of more than 68 new schools alongside widespread renovation of existing facilities.

Teacher welfare has featured prominently, with the recruitment of 5,000 new teachers, reinstatement of previously disengaged staff and regularisation of appointments for over 4,000 contract teachers.

Education reforms have been reinforced through policies aimed at improving student learning outcomes, including the EDU Rescue Programme, renewed focus on vocational training and the introduction of Edo indigenous languages as compulsory subjects in schools.

Additional measures include bursary support for indigent students and partnerships with foreign institutions to strengthen state owned tertiary education.

A prominent Esan leader and business executive, Dr Leemon Ikpea, is expected to formally welcome the governor at the event. Dr Ikpea is the Chief Executive Officer of Lee Engineering and Construction Company Limited, with interests spanning oil and gas, aviation, real estate and logistics.

Founded in 2001, the Association of Esan Professionals comprises accomplished Esan sons and daughters across the world who have distinguished themselves in diverse fields.

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The group remains committed to confronting poverty, illiteracy, insecurity and underdevelopment in Esanland by deploying professional expertise to improve community living standards.