In a poignant display of faith and commitment, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, celebrated his first anniversary in office on Sunday with a special thanksgiving service at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Auchi Diocese. The event, attended by members of the State Executive Council and prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), served not only as a moment of gratitude but also as a platform for the governor to reaffirm his administration's dedication to addressing the state's most urgent challenges, particularly insecurity and dilapidated road infrastructure.
The choice of venue was deeply symbolic for Governor Okpebholo. Exactly one year prior, before securing victory in the gubernatorial election, he had stood at the same altar and made a solemn vow to return if elected, to give thanks to God for His grace. True to his word, the governor led the delegation back to the cathedral, fulfilling what he described as a personal pledge rooted in faith. "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," he told the congregation, his voice resonating with sincerity amid the solemn atmosphere of the service.
Governor Okpebholo's address was laced with profound gratitude, extending beyond divine providence to the human elements that supported his journey. He singled out the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel G. Dunia, and the entire Catholic community for their unwavering prayers and moral backing. "Your prayers and moral support have been crucial partners in this journey of faith and governance," he stated, acknowledging the interplay between spiritual guidance and effective leadership. This recognition underscored the governor's belief that governance in Edo State must be anchored in compassion, service, and accountability—principles he promised to uphold throughout his tenure.
As the service unfolded, Governor Okpebholo turned his attention to the pressing issues facing Edo State, painting a vivid picture of his administration's priorities. He revealed that two thoughts dominated his mind en route to the cathedral: the dire state of the state's roads and the pervasive threat of insecurity. "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 confessed. These dual concerns, he explained, represent the most critical hurdles to the state's progress, affecting daily life, economic activities, and the overall sense of safety among residents.
Delving deeper into the security crisis, the governor expressed deep sympathy for the Church and families impacted by recent kidnappings of priests within the Auchi Diocese. These incidents have not only shaken the religious community but also highlighted the broader lawlessness plaguing parts of Edo State. In response, Okpebholo issued a resolute assurance: "We will continue to do our best to fight insecurity and ensure that the evil ones are driven out of our midst." He emphasized a dual approach—combining rigorous government action with the power of collective prayers—to restore peace and order. The governor's promise of imminent tranquility reflects his administration's proactive stance, aiming to eradicate criminal elements and foster an environment where citizens can thrive without fear.
The thanksgiving service itself was a blend of spiritual reflection and communal celebration, officiated by Bishop Dunia. In his sermon, the bishop expounded on the virtues essential for exemplary leadership: cleanliness, holiness, and gratitude. He praised Governor Okpebholo as a man of integrity who honors his commitments, referencing the exact vow made a year earlier at the cathedral. "You are a leader who keeps his word," Bishop Dunia remarked, commending the governor's fulfillment of that promise as a testament to his character.
Furthermore, the bishop highlighted one of the administration's early initiatives: the reintroduction of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise across Edo State. This program, which mandates community participation in cleaning public spaces, was lauded as a vital measure for promoting public health, environmental hygiene, and moral discipline. Bishop Dunia described it as a "necessary step" that aligns with the broader goal of instilling a sense of responsibility and order among the populace. The endorsement from the clergy added a layer of moral authority to the policy, reinforcing its importance in building a cleaner, healthier, and more disciplined society.
Governor Okpebholo, in turn, used the occasion to outline his vision for rebuilding Edo State on solid foundations. He reiterated his commitment to peace, faith, and purposeful leadership, insisting that governance must embody compassion and accountability. "We are determined to rebuild Edo State on the foundation of peace, faith, and purposeful leadership," he declared, envisioning a state where infrastructure development goes hand-in-hand with security enhancements and spiritual values.
The event drew a diverse crowd, including top APC officials, state executives, and faithful from the diocese, creating an atmosphere of unity and optimism. Attendees described the service as uplifting, with many expressing hope that the governor's vows would translate into tangible improvements. For instance, roads in rural areas like Auchi and beyond have long been in disrepair, hindering transportation, commerce, and access to essential services. Similarly, insecurity—manifested through kidnappings, banditry, and other crimes—has deterred investments and eroded public confidence.
In reflecting on his first year, Governor Okpebholo's administration has already taken steps toward these goals. The reinstatement of the sanitation exercise is one such achievement, aimed at curbing environmental degradation and fostering civic pride. On the security front, while challenges persist, the governor's public assurances signal an intensification of efforts, potentially involving enhanced policing, community engagement, and intelligence gathering.
Bishop Dunia's sermon provided a philosophical backdrop, urging leaders to emulate cleanliness not just in physical spaces but in governance—free from corruption and dedicated to holiness in decision-making. Gratitude, he stressed, should be the hallmark of those in power, reminding them of their dependence on divine favor and public trust.
As the service concluded with prayers and hymns, Governor Okpebholo's message lingered: Edo State's transformation requires collective effort, faith, and unwavering resolve. His return to the cathedral was more than a personal redemption; it was a public declaration of intent. By prioritizing roads and security, sympathizing with victims, and embracing spiritual counsel, the governor positions his administration as one attuned to the people's needs.
Looking ahead, residents await concrete actions—pothole-free highways, safer communities, and sustained development. The thanksgiving service, held on this significant Sunday, marks not an endpoint but a renewed beginning. With prayers from the Church and determination from the government, Edo State inches closer to the peace and prosperity its leader envisions. In a state rich with history and potential, Governor Okpebholo's one-year milestone serves as a beacon of hope, reminding all that true progress stems from kept promises, compassionate leadership, and an unyielding fight against adversity.
