…Reaffirms leadership courage, pledges social reforms
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has said his administration’s battle against cultism is a divine assignment, stressing that he was specifically “sent by God” to tackle the menace that has plagued the state.
Governor Okpebholo made the declaration during a special thanksgiving mass on Sunday to commemorate the second anniversary of Speaker Blessing Agbebaku’s tenure in the Edo State House of Assembly, which also coincided with Father’s Day celebrations.
He said: “If it’s somebody with muscles, with the strength to fight cultism, I don’t think I would have really been the one. But God has sent me to do that.”
He emphasised that his emergence as governor was spiritually motivated, particularly to take on the state’s persistent social challenges, including cult violence and insecurity.
Drawing a symbolic connection between fatherhood and governance, the governor said both roles demand courage, love, and sacrifice, attributes he pledged to uphold throughout his tenure.
Governor Okpebholo thanked the church, fathers, and women present at the mass, assuring them of his administration’s continued focus on moral leadership and people-centred governance.
Speaker Blessing Agbebaku used the occasion to reaffirm the Assembly’s support for the executive’s developmental goals, stating that unity between the arms of government would accelerate progress across the state.
He praised Governor Okpebholo for attending the event despite his busy schedule, describing his presence as a strong endorsement of shared governance and mutual respect.
The service also featured awards of honour presented to Governor Okpebholo, Speaker Agbebaku, the Deputy Speaker, and the Majority Leader, in appreciation of their leadership and commitment to public service.