Okpebholo Pledges Five-Minute Response to Edo Threats

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has assured residents that his administration is putting measures in place to enable security agencies to respond to threats within five minutes across the state.

Okpebholo gave the assurance during a Sunday service at Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Chapel, along Sapele Road, Benin City.

The governor said his administration would continue to prioritise the safety of residents and improve the security situation across the state within the next month.

He also disclosed that dedicated emergency numbers would soon be made available to the public, urging residents in distress to use them to seek immediate security assistance.

“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,” Okpebholo said.

He added that his administration was determined to make Edo safer than it found it by tackling kidnapping, robbery and other forms of crime.

Okpebholo thanked the church for its prayers and support for his administration, saying he was pleased to be a member of Winners Chapel.

He reiterated his commitment to creating an environment where residents could live safely and conduct their businesses peacefully.

The pastor of the church, Emmanuel Ebiye, commended the governor for his developmental agenda and efforts to improve the state.

Ebiye also thanked Okpebholo for donating food items, including rice and cooking oil, to churches for distribution among 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.

Okpebholo and his entourage later visited Rock of Ages Christian Assembly International along Sapele Road, where its General Overseer, Charles Osazuwa, said the 2027 general election would be peaceful and Nigeria would remain united.

Osazuwa urged Nigerians to disregard what he described as prophecies of doom about the country, saying elections would come and go without disrupting the nation’s continuity.

The cleric also encouraged Christians to acquire skills and engage in activities that would enable them to contribute economically to society.

He called on government leaders to invest more in human capital, citing scholarships he received during the administrations of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Ambrose Alli as examples of how education could empower citizens.

Meanwhile, Okpebholo said the procurement process for the construction of roads across the state was almost complete and work would soon commence.

He said contractors would be expected to work through the rainy season to accelerate the completion of projects.

The governor also said the state was making progress in tackling insecurity and urged residents to pray for President Bola Tinubu over the removal of fuel subsidy, which he linked to improved road infrastructure across the country.