‘I Did Not Sign $45.21m Flyover Deal with China’, Okpebholo Replies PDP

Sahara Weekly Reports That Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has denied ever signing any deal with the Chinese government to the tune of $45.21m for flyover bridges.

He, therefore assured the people of the state that he would not be another memorandum of understanding (MoU) governor like Godwin Obaseki.

Okpebholo gave the assurance weekend while reacting to an allegation by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that he had signed a $45.21m deal with China Exim Bank.

The senator, who gave the assurance in a statement by his media aide, Godswill Inegbe, said he would not be distracted by the outbursts of those who are ‘still licking their wounds after losing the September 21 governorship election in the state.’

Putting a lie to the write-up, Okpebholo explained that as a governor-elect, he was not in any official capacity to obtain any loan on behalf of the State.

He said: “I am rather working on how to offset the numerous loans obtained by the outgoing Gov Godwin Obaseki administration without any correlating

development.

Full text of the statement…

Re: Ahead of Inauguration: Akpakomiza signs a $45.21m MoU with a Chinese Bank to build flyovers in Benin City.

Their lies and mischief have no end!

We wish to draw the attention of the general public to the mischievous publication, which speculates that the winner of the 21st November governorship election in Edo state, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was in talks with a Chinese agency to obtain a loan of $45.21 million to execute the construction of three flyovers in Benin city.

Ordinarily, we would not have bothered to react to such distractions but since our investigation has revealed that the report was orchestrated by those still licking their wounds from the recent defeat, we are constrained to put the record straight.

The Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on invitation, was in the office of the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria in Abuja when the photograph they are now sharing on the internet was taken.

The Governor-elect was not on a mission to sign any Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China-Exim Bank for a loan, as dubiously claimed in the said publication.

Understandably, as Governor-elect, Senator Okpebholo is not in any official capacity to obtain any loan on behalf of the State; rather, he is working on how to offset the numerous loans obtained by the outgoing administration without any correlating development.

The Governor-elect, being a realist, will not build his administration on MoUs, and neither will he become another MoU Governor of Edo State.

The agents of the outgoing administration and members of the defeated PDP who are spreading false rumors about the Governor-elect should focus on the transition process, which, in any case, they are working tirelessly to truncate.

The Governor-elect will not take advice from those who have failed and mortgaged the future of the Edo people over the past seven years.

The Governor-elect will not be a looter of public funds as Governor of Edo state; rather, he will judiciously manage the resources that belong to Edo people to develop Edo State.

Instead of resorting to the promotion of lies and falsehoods, we expect the mischief-makers to apologize to the good people of the State while undergoing penance for their atrocities.

We expect them to confess their sins and seek forgiveness from the people of Edo State, whom they have traumatized financially, mentally, and otherwise in the past seven years!

E-Signed:

Godswill Inegbe,

S.A Media to Senator Monday Okpebholo,

October 27, 2024.

The Power of Accepting Your Past – Prudent Ludidi

Today, I want to address something that holds many of us back: our struggle to accept our past. We’ve all found ourselves trapped in cycles of regret, shame, and guilt, replaying mistakes and wishing we could go back. But the reality is, we can’t change what’s already happened. The past, with all its challenges, is a part of us and has shaped who we are today. Refusing to accept it only leads us to reject parts of ourselves.

Accepting our past doesn’t mean dwelling on it. It means acknowledging it, learning from it, and then moving forward with clarity and strength. When we do this, we free ourselves from shame and guilt, forgive both ourselves and others, gain closure, and open doors to peace and confidence.

However, without acceptance, we risk remaining stuck in a cycle of regret and anger, missing out on present moments, and continuing patterns of self-destructive behavior. We may even find ourselves struggling with anxiety and depression, weighed down by what we haven’t come to terms with.

How Do We Begin to Accept Our Past?

1. Practice Self-Compassion – Be kind to yourself, as you would with a friend.

2. Acknowledge Your Feelings – Allow yourself to feel. Don’t suppress or ignore.

3. Reframe Negative Experiences – See them as part of your growth, not just mistakes.

4. Focus on the Present – Let today be your priority, not yesterday.

5. Take Small Steps Toward Healing – Acceptance is a journey. Begin one step at a time.

Remember, your past is a chapter of your story, not the entire book. You are more than your mistakes and regrets. You are unique, talented, and worthy, capable of growth, learning, and change. Accepting your past takes courage, but it’s worth every effort.

When you recognize and honor your experiences, you open yourself up to healing and peace. You’ll start to see your past not as a burden, but as a foundation for a brighter future.

Embrace Your Story

Don’t shy away from your past. Confront it, allow yourself to feel, and learn. You are not alone in carrying scars from your past. Many of us do, but what truly matters is how we choose to live with them. We can let them hold us back, or we can use them as fuel for growth.

Choosing to accept your past makes the present more vibrant and meaningful, filling it with purpose and life. With acceptance, you’ll find a renewed sense of freedom and peace, empowering you to live fully in the present and look forward to the future.

You are strong, resilient, and capable of growth. Let’s commit today to accept our pasts, embrace our scars, and celebrate our imperfections. Let’s start living fully, with our eyes fixed on a brighter future.

Thank you.

As you read this, take a moment to reflect on your journey. What lessons have you learned from your past? Feel free to share your story and inspire others to embrace theirs. Together, we can move forward with strength and hope.

In a fervent appeal to Nigeria’s political class, Otunba Rotimi Ajanaku, prominent businessman, socialite, and Chief Executive of Ajanaku Holdings, has voiced deep concern over the growing humanitarian crisis engulfing the nation. He urged politicians to suspend their political ambitions and refocus on the immediate needs of the Nigerian people, who are grappling with escalating hardship and insecurity.

Speaking candidly to journalists on Friday, Ajanaku attributed the deteriorating situation to misdirection, misplaced priorities and lack of trust in leaders. He emphasized that the solution lies not solely with President Bola Tinubu, but through collective responsibility and support for the government.

He underscored that this hardship, which affects millions across Nigeria, cannot be ignored or brushed aside, as it threatens the very fabric of society.

“Our economic situation is dire,” he said. “Millions of Nigerians are suffering terribly, including the youth and children. The hardship has reached a critical point, and we must act now to save lives and prevent further deterioration of our nation.”

Ajanaku highlighted that the current economic distress cannot be alleviated solely through the actions of President Bola Tinubu, as some have been led to believe. Although he expressed faith in Tinubu’s leadership, he clarified that real change requires collaboration at all levels of government and commitment from state and local leaders who are closer to the people. He pointed out that many federal government policies, though well-intentioned, are designed for long-term impact and thus are insufficient for addressing the urgent needs of those in vulnerable communities.

“While I trust President Tinubu’s capacity to lead Nigeria towards a better future, the immediate needs of our people demand collective action now,” Ajanaku stated. “Local governments must step up and address the suffering in their communities. This isn’t solely the President’s responsibility—it’s a shared duty that requires compassion and urgency.”

He urged politicians to prioritize humanitarian initiatives over political agendas, calling the continued focus on the upcoming 2027 elections “unconscionable” given the current plight of the people. According to Ajanaku, many politicians are preoccupied with campaigns and media appearances, often publicizing token acts of charity that fail to address the depth of the crisis.

“It’s shocking to see politicians rushing to campaign for 2027 when citizens are suffering daily from hunger,” Ajanaku remarked. “Why parade your generosity on social media when people are dying from lack of basic necessities? Genuine giving should be discreet and meaningful, aiming to ease the community’s suffering—not for publicity.”

In his impassioned plea, Ajanaku urged political figures, corporate leaders, and other stakeholders to put aside at least 20 percent of their resources to support those in need within their communities. He expressed confidence that such coordinated efforts would alleviate immediate pressures and enable the federal government to create lasting solutions without being weighed down by widespread poverty and unrest.

Ajanaku also pointed out that despite increased monthly allocations from the federal government to states and local councils, there has been little improvement in the welfare of the masses. He challenged leaders across all tiers of government to be accountable and utilize their resources to bring immediate relief to the people.

“Federal allocations continue to be distributed, and in many cases, they’ve increased,” Ajanaku noted. “There is no excuse for our elected officials and government agencies to stand idle while our people suffer. It’s time for them to act, to wipe the tears from our people’s faces.”

Ajanaku concluded by emphasizing the importance of unity and collective resolve to confront Nigeria’s numerous challenges, from poverty and insurgency to kidnapping and other social vices. He called on all Nigerians, regardless of status, to rise to the occasion, standing together to help the country regain its footing.

“While we trust in President Tinubu’s leadership to steer Nigeria towards a brighter future, let us also unite in a shared mission: to liberate our people from poverty, eradicate social vices, and restore peace in our beloved nation. Long live Nigeria,” Ajanaku said.

As hardship reaches unprecedented levels, Ajanaku’s words resonate as a call to action, urging those in positions of influence to look beyond personal gain and political power, and to prioritize the well-being of the Nigerian people above all else.