*Says Leadership Must Reflect Faith, Integrity and Service
By Odita Sunday
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Sunday led members of his cabinet and top chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to a special thanksgiving mass at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Auchi Diocese, to commemorate his first year in office.
The colourful service, which drew dignitaries, party faithful and worshippers from across the state, was officiated by the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel G. Dunia.
Speaking during the event, Governor Okpebholo expressed deep gratitude to God for His faithfulness, recalling that he made a vow last year to return to the same altar in thanksgiving if he won both the APC primaries and the governorship election.
“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,” the Governor said to loud applause.
The Governor appreciated Bishop Dunia and the Catholic community for their prayers and moral support, describing them as “partners in the journey of faith and governance.”
“I want to thank the Bishop for your prayers and support. When he was speaking today, he was speaking my mind,” Okpebholo noted.
Reflecting on the challenges facing his administration, the Governor identified bad roads and insecurity as key priorities that demand urgent attention.
“As I came here today, my mind was on how we will fix the bad roads. The second thought on my mind is about insecurity. We will continue to do our best to fight it and ensure that the evil ones are driven out of our midst,” he affirmed.
Okpebholo sympathized with the Diocese and families affected by recent kidnappings of priests, assuring that government is intensifying efforts to end the menace.
“There is never a day we are not concerned about insecurity. We are doing everything possible to bring it to an end. I assure you that very soon, with your prayers and our efforts, we will overcome,” he stated.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s resolve to rebuild Edo on the pillars of peace, faith and purposeful leadership, emphasizing that true governance must reflect compassion, accountability, and service to humanity.
In his sermon, Bishop Dunia urged leaders to uphold cleanliness, holiness, and gratitude, commending Governor Okpebholo for reinstating the state’s monthly environmental sanitation exercise, which he described as “a moral and public health necessity.”
“You made a promise before God and His people that you would return to this altar if you emerged victorious. Today, you have kept that promise, that is the mark of a man of faith and truth,” the Bishop said.
The thanksgiving mass, which had in attendance top government officials, APC stalwarts, and community leaders, symbolized not just a milestone in governance, but a reaffirmation of the Governor’s guiding philosophy, that leadership must always be anchored on divine guidance, moral integrity, and the collective good of the people.