Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Friday marked his 55thbirthday with a special thanksgiving service where he proudly announced that his administration was winning the war against cultism, kidnapping and other acts of criminality.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that Governor Okpebholo, who spoke at the birthday anniversary service held at the Government House Chapel, reiterated his administration’s commitment to confronting and defeating the twin scourges of cultism and kidnapping, which had long plagued the state.
Represented at the service by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Fred Itua, the Governor recalled how just 48 hours after his inauguration November 12, 2024, he was confronted with the grim reality of cult-related violence that claimed the lives of over 20 young people in in the state. At the time, he was away on an official assignment in Akure, Ondo 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,” he declared.
Governor Okpebholo stressed that his administration came at a time of turbulence and uncertainty in the state but has since provided stability, restoring confidence among the citizenry. “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 added.
The thanksgiving service attracted government functionaries, political aides, religious leaders, and associates, who used the occasion to extol the Governor’s leadership and developmental strides.
Special Adviser on Electronic Media, Mr. Paul Ezenwa, congratulated the Governor on his birthday and underscored the significance of his leadership style.
Ezenwa stated that “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”.
Similarly, the Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Andrew Iyamu, lauded the Governor for demonstrating wisdom in appointing credible men and women to key positions. He noted that despite not having any personal connection to the Governor, he was appointed strictly on merit, reflecting Okpebholo’s inclusive and performance-driven leadership.
“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,” Dr. Iyamu observed.
In his own remarks, the Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Godswill Inegbe, described Governor Okpebholo as a humble leader whose Christian faith shapes his service. Inegbe said, “He is not ashamed to be identified as a born-again Christian, and that moral compass is reflected in his work for Edo people”.
There were also goodwill messages from clerics who acknowledged his positive impacts also prayed for him.
Reverend Ezele Frank commended Okpebholo’s courage in tackling cultism head-on, a menace which, he noted, previous administrations avoided or addressed half-heartedly.
According to Rev. Frank, “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 described the Governor as a detribalised Nigerian whose appointments are based on competence rather than ethnic affiliation.
For his part, Apostle Sule Farade, Special Adviser on Religion and Chaplain of the Government House Chapel, said the governor’s emergence was 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,” he said.
The high point of the thanksgiving service was prayers for the Governor’s continued good health, wisdom, and strength, as well as for peace and prosperity in Edo State.