Pay Taxes Promptly To Sustain Development, Okpebholo Urges Edo Residents

The Edo State Government has appealed to residents to remain diligent in paying taxes, stressing that compliance is critical to sustaining ongoing development and the provision of social amenities across the state.

The State commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, made the appeal while briefing journalists in Benin City, noting that Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration has continued to prioritise solutions to long-standing challenges through strategic investments in key sectors.

Afegbua said timely tax payment by citizens would enable the government to consolidate gains already recorded in infrastructure, education, healthcare and rural development.

He disclosed that the administration had, in the last 18 months, embarked on massive recruitment in the education sector, employing about 6,500 teachers, with plans underway to engage more to strengthen learning across the state.

According to him, the government also committed significant resources to improving tertiary education, including a N2 billion grant to Edo State University, Iyamho, alongside an increase in its monthly subvention from N100 million to N250 million.

The commissioner further stated that the government had rehabilitated nearly 80 schools across the state, many of which were previously in deplorable conditions.

In the health sector, Afegbua said 75 Primary Health Centres had been built and equipped, with a target of 160 by the end of the administration’s first term. He added that work had resumed on the Stella Obasanjo Hospital, which was inherited at 75 per cent completion.

On infrastructure, he noted that contracts had been awarded for the construction of 17 roads, while key projects such as the Ramat Park Flyover, Adesuwa Junction Flyover, and Ekenhuan-Gelegele Road were progressing steadily.

Afegbua also revealed that road construction equipment had been distributed to the 18 local government councils to enhance rural accessibility, alongside the establishment of a Rapid Response Agency for road maintenance.

He listed other interventions by the administration to include a N1 billion bursary scheme for students, N1 billion interest-free loans for market women, and ongoing construction of major markets in Jattu, Ekpoma and Benin City.

While noting improvements in the security situation, the commissioner said the government had supported security agencies with 100 vehicles and 300 motorcycles to enhance operations.

He, however, emphasised that sustaining these achievements depends largely on citizens’ cooperation, particularly in fulfilling their civic responsibility of tax payment.

“Residents must support government efforts by paying their taxes promptly. This is essential for the continued delivery of infrastructure and social services that benefit all,” Afegbua said.