OKPEBHOLO, DEPUTY ASSURES EDO RESIDENTS OF SECURITY, RENEWS CALL FOR PEACE AND UNITY

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured residents that his administration will continue to prioritise the protection of lives and property while pursuing development across the state.

The governor gave the assurance in a message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, on Thursday to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

Okpebholo said security remained his administration’s foremost responsibility, stressing that farming, trade, investment and other economic activities could only thrive in an atmosphere of peace.

“We have worked hard to make Edo safer. We are rebuilding our roads, upgrading our schools and hospitals, and creating opportunities for our teeming youths.

“The safety of every Edo citizen, in the city and in the village, remains my first duty,” he said.

The governor said his administration would continue to collaborate with security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders, whom he described as important partners because of their closeness to residents and knowledge of the local terrain.

“Edo State is not a safe place for criminals,” Okpebholo warned, cautioning those who might attempt to disrupt the peace in the state.

Beyond security, the governor said his administration was implementing programmes in healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and education under its SHINE Agenda.

He highlighted the reopening of several hospitals that had been closed for years, with some remaining shut for nearly two decades. He also disclosed that more than 600,000 residents had been enrolled in the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme (EDOHIC).

Okpebholo further said workers’ salaries were being paid regularly, while Edo remained among the states implementing the ₦75,000 minimum wage.

Acknowledging that more work remained to be done, the governor described the achievements recorded so far as a foundation for further development rather than the completion of his administration’s task.

He commended Edo residents for their patience and willingness to provide feedback.

“Government exists to serve you, and I will keep listening, even when the feedback is uncomfortable,” he said.

The governor also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as efforts to reposition Nigeria for greater economic stability and growth through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Okpebholo urged Edo residents to use the Independence anniversary to renew their commitment to peace and unity, stressing that patriotism should be reflected in how citizens treat one another and protect public property.

He wished residents a peaceful celebration and prayed for continued progress in Edo State and Nigeria.

The Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, also called on Nigerians to renew their faith in the country and commit themselves to building a stronger, united and prosperous nation.

Idahosa made the call in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Friday Aghedo, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

He described October 1 as a reminder of the courage and sacrifices of the generation that secured Nigeria’s independence in 1960.

According to the deputy governor, Nigeria has demonstrated remarkable resilience despite its challenges, with its people and diversity remaining among the country’s greatest strengths.

He urged Nigerians to recommit themselves to the values of unity, peace, justice, democracy and shared prosperity.

“Nigeria is a nation of great promise. We may have faced challenges along the way, but our story is not one of failure; it is one of resilience, courage, and an unbroken determination to build a better country.

“The Nigeria of our dreams will not be built by government alone. It requires the patriotism, sacrifices, creativity, and commitment of every Nigerian,” Idahosa said.

The deputy governor commended President Tinubu for efforts to reposition the economy and strengthen the foundation for sustainable development, assuring that sub-national governments would continue to support the national development agenda.

He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Okpebholo administration to improving the lives of Edo residents through investments in security, infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture and human capital development.

Idahosa urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the country, stressing that nation-building required patience, sacrifice and responsible citizenship.

“Let us choose hope over despair, unity over division, and service over selfishness. The Nigeria we desire is possible if we work together and put the interest of our nation above our differences,” he said.

He congratulated Nigerians on the 66th Independence Anniversary and prayed for continued peace, unity, prosperity and progress across the federation.