Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has restated his administration’s commitment to stamping out cultism and kidnapping in the state, insisting that his government is already recording significant victories in the battle against insecurity.
Naija News reports that the governor gave the assurance during a special thanksgiving service held at the Government House Chapel in Benin City to mark his 55th birthday.
Represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo recalled that just two days after assuming office in November 2024, he was confronted with a cult-related violence that claimed over 20 lives in Edo State.
“News of that tragedy reached me in Ondo barely two days after I assumed office. Right there, I vowed to fight cultism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities to a standstill. Nine months on, by God’s grace and with the support of Edo people, we are winning that war,” the governor declared.
Okpebholo added that his administration assumed power during a turbulent period but has since restored stability and renewed citizens’ confidence in government.
“This is a government that makes promises and keeps them. Whether it is security, roads, schools, or healthcare, we are delivering for the people of Edo State,” he said.
The thanksgiving service attracted government officials, religious leaders, advisers, and associates who praised the governor’s leadership style and developmental strides.
Special Adviser on Electronic Media, Paul Ezenwa, congratulated Okpebholo and hailed his performance.
“Many doubted him before he assumed office, but for those of us who believed in him, he has not disappointed. Edo people should continue to support him with prayers as he drives the state forward,” he said.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Andrew Iyamu, noted that his own appointment was based strictly on merit, despite having no personal ties with the governor.
“In nine months, roads, schools, flyovers, and other infrastructure are springing up across the three senatorial districts. The Governor is on a rescue mission to put smiles on the faces of Edo people and to reverse years of retrogression,” Iyamu said.
For his part, Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Godswill Inegbe, described Okpebholo as a humble leader whose Christian values guide his governance.
“He is not ashamed to be identified as a born-again Christian, and that moral compass is reflected in his work for Edo people,” Inegbe remarked.
Religious leaders at the thanksgiving also praised the governor’s courage in tackling cultism head-on.
Reverend Ezele Frank said: “This is the first time any governor will stick out his neck to confront cultism directly. His determination is saving lives, healing communities, and uniting our people.”
He further described Okpebholo as a detribalised Nigerian who prioritises competence over ethnic sentiment in his appointments.
Similarly, Apostle Sule Farade, Chaplain of the Government House Chapel, described the governor’s emergence as divinely ordained.
“Governor Okpebholo is God-sent to bring peace and development to Edo State. His reign will fulfill God’s plan for our land,” Farade stated.
The service concluded with prayers for the governor’s health, wisdom, and strength, alongside petitions for peace and prosperity in Edo State.
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