Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has said his administration is working to ensure that security agencies can respond to threats anywhere in the state within five minutes.
The Punch reported that the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, noting that Okpebholo made the commitment during a church service at Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Chapel, on Sapele Road, Benin City.
Okpebholo said security remained a major priority of his administration, assuring residents that measures being implemented would make Edo safer within the next month.
He disclosed that dedicated emergency telephone lines would soon be provided to the public, urging residents and people in distress to use the numbers to obtain immediate assistance from security agencies.
“We will continue to work for Edo people. In terms of security, Edo will be safer in the next month. We will be able to respond to security threats in any part of the state within five minutes,” Okpebholo said.
The governor said the administration was determined to improve on the security situation it inherited by confronting kidnapping, armed robbery and other forms of criminality.
He expressed appreciation to the church for its prayers and support, adding that he was happy to be a member of Winners Chapel.
Okpebholo also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an environment where residents could live, work and conduct their businesses without fear.
The church’s pastor, Emmanuel Ebiye, commended the governor for his development initiatives and efforts to improve the state.
Ebiye also expressed appreciation to Okpebholo for donating food items, including rice and cooking oil, to churches for distribution among 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,” he said.
The governor and members of his entourage later visited Rock of Ages Christian Assembly International, also located along Sapele Road.
The General Overseer of the church, Charles Osazuwa, expressed optimism that the 2027 general elections would be peaceful and that Nigeria would remain united.
Osazuwa advised Nigerians to disregard what he described as prophecies of doom concerning the country, saying elections would come and go without affecting the nation’s continuity.
He also encouraged Christians to develop relevant skills and engage in productive ventures that could contribute to economic growth, while urging government leaders to prioritise human capital development.
Citing scholarships he received under the administrations of former Western Region Premier, Obafemi Awolowo, and former Bendel State Governor, Ambrose Alli, Osazuwa said investment in education could significantly empower citizens.
Meanwhile, Okpebholo said the procurement process for road projects across the state was nearing completion, with construction expected to commence soon.
He said contractors would be required to continue working during the rainy season to ensure that the projects were completed faster.
The governor further said his administration was making progress in addressing insecurity and called on residents to continue praying for President Bola Tinubu over the removal of the fuel subsidy, which he linked to improvements in road infrastructure nationwide.
