Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Sunday led members of the State Executive Council and top leaders of the All Progressives Congress to a thanksgiving service at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Auchi Diocese to mark his one year in office. In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, Fred Itua, detailed that the Governor expressed profound gratitude to God for His grace and faithfulness, recalling a vow he made a year ago to return in thanksgiving upon winning both the primaries and the governorship election.

Governor Okpebholo declared during the service, “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.” Itua reported that the Governor extended heartfelt appreciation to the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel G. Dunia, and the Catholic faithful for their prayers and moral support, describing them as partners in the journey of faith and governance.

The Governor reflected on his administration’s priorities, particularly road infrastructure and security, which he identified as pressing challenges. “As I came here today, my mind was on how we will fix the bad roads. The second thought on my mind is about a matter that concerns us all — insecurity. We will continue to do our best to fight insecurity and ensure that the evil ones are driven out of our midst,” Okpebholo affirmed. Itua stated that the Governor also sympathized with the Church and families affected by recent kidnappings of priests within the Diocese, assuring them of the government’s resolve to restore peace and order. “While I sympathize with the Church over the kidnapped priests in recent times, I want to say that there is never a day we are not concerned about the insecurity in our land. 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,” the Governor declared.

Governor Okpebholo further reaffirmed his administration’s determination to rebuild Edo State on the foundation of peace, faith, and purposeful leadership, emphasizing that governance must reflect compassion, service, and accountability. Itua noted that the thanksgiving service was officiated by Bishop Dunia, who delivered a sermon centered on cleanliness, holiness, and the virtues of gratitude in leadership. The Bishop commended the Governor for his reintroduction of the State’s monthly environmental sanitation exercise, describing it as a necessary step toward public health and moral discipline. Bishop Dunia also lauded the Governor for being a man of integrity who keeps his word, stating, “You made a promise before God and His people that you would return to this altar to give thanks if you emerged victorious. Today, you have kept that promise. This is the mark of a man of faith and truth.”

The service drew dignitaries and worshippers from across all strata of society, reflecting an atmosphere of unity and gratitude. Itua highlighted that Governor Okpebholo’s return to the same altar where he made his vow a year ago affirms a rare blend of humility, faith, and integrity in leadership, reechoing the Governor’s consistent message that service to the people must be anchored on divine guidance, moral integrity, and a commitment to collective well-being. As Edo State marks one year under his stewardship, the thanksgiving offered a symbolic reminder of a leader who acknowledges divine providence while reaffirming his pledge to make governance a tool for peace, progress, and the restoration of public trust.