BENIN CITY — The General Superintendent of New Covenant Gospel Church (NCGC), Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude, has commended Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for his administration’s efforts to tackle insecurity and transform Benin City through urban renewal projects.
Omobude, a former President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), gave the commendation during the church’s Bible Alive Believers International Convention 2026, held at the Peniel Convention Centre, Ohovbe Road, opposite Agbor Park, Benin City, under the theme, “Stir It Up.”
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, the cleric praised the administration’s infrastructural development, particularly the flyover at Ramat Park, which he said had eased traffic congestion and improved movement within the state capital.
Omobude noted that previous editions of the convention had been affected by difficulties navigating the Ikpoba Hill axis, but said the government’s infrastructure projects had made movement to and from the venue easier.
“We have held this convention a few times, but navigating Ikpoba Hill has always been very difficult. This time, your infrastructural development has made it easy for us,” he said.
The cleric also commended the governor’s efforts to combat crime and criminality, stressing that a secure environment was essential for large religious gatherings and other public activities.
“We also thank you for the fight against crime and criminality. It is in an atmosphere of safety that we can gather like this,” Omobude said, expressing confidence that God would continue to guide and protect the governor.
Omobude Appeals for Intervention in Erosion-Hit Ohovbe
Despite his commendation of the administration’s urban renewal drive, the cleric appealed to the state government to extend its infrastructure and development initiatives to Ohovbe, the community hosting the church.
He expressed concern over severe erosion challenges threatening the community and called on the governor to dispatch relevant officials to assess the affected areas and recommend appropriate interventions.
According to him, the situation had become critical, with erosion threatening the continued safety and habitation of parts of the community.
“It is as if some elders of this community knew you were coming today, and they asked me to appeal to you to extend your developmental stride to the area. Erosion has almost driven them out,” he said.
Omobude urged the governor to take the concerns seriously, assuring him of the church’s continued prayers and support.
Okpebholo Seeks Prayers in Fight Against Crime
In his response, Governor Okpebholo called on religious leaders and residents of Edo State to support his administration with prayers as it intensifies efforts to tackle kidnapping, cultism and other criminal activities.
The governor said addressing insecurity required sustained government action as well as spiritual support from religious institutions and the wider community.
“I am here to receive prayers from our father. The work we are doing in the state is huge. The fight against kidnapping and cultism needs prayers,” Okpebholo said.
He assured residents that his administration would remain committed to the fight against criminality until the state became safer.
“I will continue to fight them, and I will never be afraid, because He that is in me is greater than he that is in them,” he added.
The governor’s remarks underscored his administration’s resolve to sustain security operations while working towards improved safety for residents and visitors across Edo State.
