Okpebholo, The Ball Is Now In Your Court: Eschew Obaseki’s Newspaper Headline Achievements, by Isaac Asabor

In the realm of Nigerian politics, grandstanding through the media has become an art form, where administrations prioritize creating glossy newspaper headlines over achieving tangible results for the people. The case of former Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State offers a cautionary tale for the newly sworn-in Governor Monday Okpebholo. As he takes on the mantle of leadership, Okpebholo must resist the temptation to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, whose supposed achievements were often more visible in print than in reality.

Governor Okpebholo, your swearing-in marks a new chapter in the history of Edo State. The people have entrusted you with their hopes and dreams for a better future. Yet, as you set out to fulfill your mandate, it is crucial to learn from the mistakes of your predecessor, Obaseki, whose administration, despite its ambitious proclamations, was largely characterized by what many would describe as “Newspaper headline achievements”, a string of lofty projects that, while celebrated in the media, did little to change the everyday realities of the people.

During Obaseki’s time in office, Edo residents were consistently inundated with newspaper headlines touting major milestones in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Newspaper columns were filled with stories of newly commissioned roads, revamped hospitals, and educational reforms. Yet, as one walked through the streets of Benin City or visited rural communities, it was hard to reconcile these achievements with the reality on the ground. Roads that were allegedly upgraded were riddled with potholes, healthcare facilities remained under-equipped, and schools continued to operate without the necessary resources to deliver quality education.

Take, for instance, the case of Mrs. EghosaEboigbe, a teacher in a private school in Benin. She lamented, “Every year, they claim to have improved our schools, but we still lack basic teaching materials. The children sit on broken desks, and we have no access to modern technology. All I see are announcements in newspapers; the reality is quite different. I must tell you these are the reasons I refused to offer my services to public schools”

Similarly, traders at the New Benin market shared their frustrations with persistent flooding despite government claims of infrastructural upgrades. For these citizens, the so-called achievements only existed in glossy publications and paid commentaries.

Governor Okpebholo, you are stepping into office at a time when Edo citizens are yearning for real change, not just well-crafted media narratives. The last thing they need is another round of announcements and glossy photo-ops that fail to translate into meaningful development. The lessons from Obaseki’s administration are clear: the focus must shift from seeking media applause to delivering actual progress.

Your administration has a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between promise and performance. To do so, you must prioritize “impact over optics”. Avoid falling into the trap of using newspapers as the primary vehicle for showcasing your achievements. Instead, let your success be judged by the people on the streets of Benin, Auchi, Ekpoma, and the remotest parts of Edo State. When people see functioning healthcare centers, schools with modern facilities, and roads that are truly motorable, they will not need newspapers to tell them that progress is being made.

While there is no denying that publicity is a tool for governance, it should not overshadow the essence of leadership, which is service to the people. Obaseki’s legacy, as it stands today, is largely a testament to the power of media projection rather than genuine developmental impact. Let your own legacy be different, Governor Okpebholo.

To achieve this, your administration must prioritize direct engagement with the people. Town hall meetings, grassroots consultations, and a hands-on approach will help you understand the real issues affecting Edo citizens. It is one thing to list achievements on paper; it is another to feel the pulse of the people and address their pressing needs.

Governor Okpebholo, the people of Edo have heard enough promises. What they now seek is visible, transformative change. This is your moment to prove that governance is not about media blitzes but about touching lives. Focus on ensuring that your projects and reforms reach the grassroots, that roads constructed are durable, that hospitals are adequately equipped, and that schools are genuinely conducive to learning.

Your Excellency, eschew the temptation to follow the Obaseki model of “newspaper headline governance.” Instead, let your administration be known for its commitment to the people, measured not by the number of press releases issued but by the real, positive changes that Edo citizens can experience firsthand.

As you embark on this journey, remember that the true mark of a successful administration is not how well it can control the narrative in the press but how deeply it can impact the lives of its people. The citizens of Edo are not looking for another barrage of impressive headlines, they are looking for a leader who will prioritize their well-being over media accolades.

Governor Okpebholo, the ball is now in your court.