Irrua, Edo State — Governor Monday Okpebholo has announced a large-scale recruitment programme aimed at injecting fresh youth talent into the Edo State civil service, describing it as a pivotal step in tackling unemployment and accelerating development.

The announcement came during the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, ahead of the August 16, 2025 Edo Central Senatorial by-election.

Okpebholo said his administration’s youth employment drive would be complemented by a series of transformative projects in Edo Central, including the construction of an ultra-modern market in Irrua, the dualisation of the Ekpoma Ubiaja road, and the extension of a 33kV power line to address chronic electricity shortages.

Reflecting on his time as senator, the governor highlighted his role in securing the ongoing reconstruction of the Benin–Auchi–Okene road with federal support, as well as directing immediate renovation works at Eguare-Ugbegun Primary School in Ward 10.

“If I do not develop my home, no one else will,” Okpebholo told supporters, thanking Irrua residents for their loyalty during his past electoral victories. “You resisted rigging, and we won resoundingly. My coming here is to thank you and assure you that I am ready to serve and work for our people.”

He disclosed that the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, had been instructed to commence the recruitment process without delay. “We are going to massively employ our young people. Creating opportunities for our youths is the greatest investment we can make for the future of Edo,” he said.

The rally drew key APC figures, including Ikhilor, Edo Central Senatorial leader Cecil Isekhaigbe, APC State Deputy Chairman Sylvester Aigboboh, and senatorial candidate Joseph Ikpea, in a show of strength ahead of the by-election.