BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has pledged to strengthen the state’s security architecture to enable security agencies respond to security threats within five minutes across the state.
Okpebholo made the pledge on Sunday during a service at Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Chapel, along Sapele Road, Benin City.
The governor said his administration was taking steps to improve security and ensure that residents could live and conduct their businesses safely, adding that Edo would be safer within the next one month.
“We will continue to work for Edo people. In terms of security, Edo will be safer in the next one month. We will be able to respond to security threats in any part of the state,” he said.
According to him, dedicated emergency telephone numbers would soon be made available to the public to enable residents and others in distress seek immediate security assistance.
Okpebholo said his administration remained committed to tackling kidnapping, robbery and other forms of criminality, with the goal of leaving Edo safer than it was when his administration assumed office.
The governor also thanked the church for its prayers and support for his administration, describing himself as a member of Winners Chapel.
The pastor of the church, Emmanuel Ebiye, commended the governor for his administration’s developmental initiatives and efforts to improve the state.
Ebiye also appreciated Okpebholo for donating food items, including rice and cooking oil, to churches for distribution to their members.
“We appreciate your transformation, development and growth experience across all sectors in the state. I pray for grace to be with you. Thank you for all you are doing for Edo people,” the pastor said.
2027 Election Will Be Peaceful — Pastor Osazuwa
Okpebholo and members of his entourage later visited Rock of Ages Christian Assembly International, also along Sapele Road.
The church’s General Overseer, Pastor Charles Osazuwa, expressed confidence that the 2027 general election would be peaceful and that Nigeria would remain united.
Osazuwa urged Nigerians to disregard what he described as prophecies of doom concerning the country, saying elections would come and go without affecting Nigeria’s continuity.
He also encouraged Christians to acquire skills and engage in productive economic activities that would enable them contribute meaningfully to society.
The cleric called on government leaders to invest more in human capital, citing scholarships he received during the administrations of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Ambrose Alli as examples of how education could empower citizens.
Road Projects to Begin Soon
Speaking on infrastructure, Governor Okpebholo said the procurement process for the construction of several roads in the state was almost complete and that work would commence soon.
He specifically mentioned what he described as “mechanics and peanut roads,” adding that contractors would be expected to work through the rainy season in order to accelerate the completion of projects.
The governor also said his administration was making progress in its efforts to tackle insecurity in the state.
He urged residents to continue praying for President Bola Tinubu, particularly over the removal of the fuel subsidy, which he linked to improvements in road infrastructure across the country.
