Govt Working Hard On Safety Of Citizens — Gov. Okpebholo

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has assured Nigerians that the federal government has put up robust strategies in collaboration with relevant security agencies, to ensure the safety of lives and property across the country.

The governor gave the assurance while delivering a speech at an interdenominational prayer service held at his residence in Irrua, Esan Central local government area of the state yesterday.

Okpebholo urged Nigerians to continue to pray for President Bola Tinubu and his administration, noting that sustained prayers were crucial to the successful delivery of government’s electioneering promises.

According to him, consistent prayers and effective collaboration with security agencies have continued to improve the security situation in Edo State, as the state is now witnessing drastic reduction in kidnapping, cultism and other criminal activities.

He said, “I want to assure you that our administration and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing everything possible to ensure the safety of lives and property of Nigerians and to make Edo State safer. The Egyptians we see today in Edo State and Nigeria, we shall see them no more. The kidnappings we saw yesterday, we shall see them no more.

“The cultism and cult-related activities we saw yesterday, we shall see them no more. I request prayers for Mr President Tinubu. This is a time he truly needs our prayers because he is doing so much for Nigeria, despite several criticisms against his government. The president is implementing far-reaching policies and economic reforms that will develop the nation.”

Governor Okpebholo added that his administration was putting strategies in place to ensure sustained development and progress in the state, but lamented that critics were making concerted efforts to distract the government and drag the state backwards.

“As we are working to develop Edo State, some people are trying to divert our attention and set the state on the path of retrogression. I appeal for your prayers, asking God to frustrate the enemies of the state.

“We need prayers for our land because without prayers, development will be difficult. Businesses will not thrive, and economic activities will suffer,” he stated.

In his sermon titled “Crossing Over with Gratitude,” Reverend Francis Okhale urged the congregation to always give thanks to God Almighty, stressing that gratitude opens the door to the fulfillment of expectations.

He encouraged the people to continue praying for Governor Okpebholo whom he said had gathered the congregation to give thanks to God for the achievements recorded by his administration in the past year.

He said, “We are here to honour God Almighty for what He is using Senator Monday Okpebholo to do for Edo people. We can see the impact of his administration, especially in infrastructural development such as flyovers, schools, hospitals, and other critical projects,”

The high point of the service was a special prayer session for the governor, his administration and the people of Edo State.