In a fitting recognition of unwavering dedication to grassroots development and political mobilization, Hon. Dr. Washington Osifo Esq. has been awarded the prestigious Edo Heroes Award 2025 by the SKO PROMOTIONS led by Hon. Senior Kings Ogbebor, a distinguished son of Oza in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, a neighbouring community of Uhunmwode. Celebrated as the Uhunmwode Political Trailblazer, Osifo stands tall among leaders who have redefined service, loyalty, and community impact in Edo State says SKO.
A man deeply rooted in the aspirations of his people, Washington Osifo has consistently demonstrated that leadership is not about occupying office, but about being in service to the people. His extensive community outreach, policy advocacy for rural development, people-oriented programmes and relentless push for inclusive governance, have set him apart as a political leader with purpose, which earned him this recognition.
According to him, throughout Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Osifo is known not only for his political sagacity but also for his tangible contributions to the well-being of the people. From his numerous youth empowerment programs to lobbying for infrastructural improvements in underserved communities, his imprint is visible across the region. Human Capacity development, educational support schemes, and rural electrification efforts championed or influenced by him have brought real change to the lives of many.
“A cornerstone of Osifo’s success is his total loyalty and commitment to the government of Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Executive Governor of Edo State. As a trusted ally and firm supporter of the Governor’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Edo, Osifo has played a critical role in mobilizing support and translating the state government’s vision into local action. This is evident in his successes so far in his new office as Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy.
His alignment with Governor Okpebholo’s administration has brought increased visibility and access to state-led development initiatives in Uhunmwode. Roads that have never been accessed and once impassable are now receiving the attention of the government of H. E. Sen. Monday Okpebholo; other critical infrastructures have also been lined up by the governor for upgrades and reconstruction including Schools, Health facilities and Agricultural Infrastructures for local farmers a state-backed agricultural support—all thanks to the synergy between Osifo’s grassroots network and the progressive agenda of the Governor.”
In the light of the aforesaid, to further buttress the excellent relationship between Hon. Dr. Washington Osifo and the governor, addressing the Awardees, Dr. Osifo informed them that the Edo State government in a State Executive Meeting (EXCO) on Wednesday 14, 2025, approved the construction of all the link roads in Isi, Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Isi-North Ward (07). The roads approved for construction includes: OZA TO IGUOKE, IYANỌMỌ, UVBE-NISI, IGUỌMỌ, EGUAHỌLỌR, AND OHẸ, connecting OZA – IGBANKẸ Road at one end to the UGONẸKI Express.
It is important to note that these people’s oriented projects were facilitated by the singular efforts, the proven loyalty of Hon. Dr. Washington Osifo Esq. to the Governor and his unalloyed support of the vision of the governor for Edo State and the Transformational governance of H. E. Sen. Monday Okpebholo in fulfilment of the Agenda; “A new Edo is Rising” under the “PROGRAMME SHINE” and the Governor’s deliberate implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, Sen. Bola Tinubu; the underlying reason why his request in a sighted letter to His Excellency on March 19, 2025, got the endorsement of the governor on the same date with a commitment of the government to engage International Construction Company for the project and the subsequent mobilization of the Construction Firm with a 25% down payment on 14 May, 2025 which further tells of the love the governor have for Washington Osifo and Uhunmwode people.
THANK YOU MR. GOVERNOR.
He further highlighted the Governor’s unshakeable commitment to elevating the state from its present underdeveloped state to one distinguished by functional infrastructure and a thorough system overhaul. He underscored the Governor’s policy priorities, including the security of lives and properties of Edo citizens, social empowerment, improved welfare, and youth development. He also expounded upon the various facets of the SHINE program initiated by the Edo State government, which permeates every aspect of the lives of Edo citizens, epitomizing their hopes and dreams.
Dr. Washington Osifo acknowledged the governor’s accomplishments in domesticating the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu in Edo State and demonstrating leadership excellence in the South-South Region of Nigeria. He pointed out that the governor’s approval of road projects for Uhunmwode Local Government Area is part of a broader strategy to develop rural agrarian communities across all 18 Local Government Areas of Edo State, while reiterating the fact that the immediate past governor who hails from Isi community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area could not deem it fit to construct these roads in his 8yrs in office.
As Edo State continues on its path of transformation under Senator Monday Okpebholo, leaders like Washington Osifo will remain pivotal. With a heart for the people and a mind committed to progress, Osifo has proven himself not just as a political actor in Uhunmwode, but as a true hero of Edo State and Nigeria in general.
The Edo Heroes Award 2025 is not just a celebration of Osifo’s achievements, but a symbol of what is possible when loyalty, vision, and people-centered service come together. His honour as a grassroots icon reflects the hope of a new era for Uhunmwode—one where development is not abstract, but lived and felt.