Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has marked his one year in office promising to combat insecurity in the State.
The Governor spoke on Sunday when he led members of the State Executive Council and top leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to a heartfelt thanksgiving service on Sunday.
The service was held at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Auchi Diocese, the very altar where the Governor had made a solemn vow a year prior.
Speaking to the congregation, Governor Okpebholo expressed profound gratitude to God, confirming that his presence was to redeem a promise made before his election.
“Sometimes last year, I was in this church and I said, by God’s grace, that if I win the primaries and the gubernatorial election, I will return here to give thanks to God. Today, I have come to redeem that vow,” the Governor declared.
He extended heartfelt appreciation to the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel G. Dunia, and the Catholic faithful for their prayers and moral support, describing them as crucial partners in the journey of faith and governance.
Governor Okpebholo used the solemn occasion to reflect on his administration’s critical priorities, specifically identifying road infrastructure and security as the most pressing challenges confronting the State.
“As I came here today, my mind was on how we will fix the bad roads. The second thought on my mind is about a matter that concerns us all insecurity,” he affirmed.
The Governor sympathized deeply with the Church and families affected by recent kidnappings of priests within the Diocese, assuring them of the government’s firm resolve.
“We will continue to do our best to fight insecurity and ensure that the evil ones are driven out of our midst,” he declared, promising that peace and order would soon be restored across the State through prayers and government efforts.
The thanksgiving service was officiated by Bishop Dunia, whose sermon focused on the virtues of cleanliness, holiness, and gratitude in leadership.
The Bishop commended Governor Okpebholo for being a man of integrity who keeps his word, recalling the Governor’s vow made one year ago.
Bishop Dunia also lauded the Governor for reintroducing the State’s monthly environmental sanitation exercise, calling it a necessary step toward promoting public health and moral discipline.
Okpebholo further reaffirmed his administration’s determination to rebuild Edo State on the foundation of peace, faith, and purposeful leadership, emphasizing that governance must always reflect compassion, service, and accountability.
